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Roger Federer relives the hilarious moment he was BANNED from Wimbledon just two weeks ago, despite having won the tournament eight times.
- Retired tennis player Roger Federer, 41, was recently thrown out of Wimbledon
- He did not have his membership card, security did not recognize the eight-time winner.
- Federer pleaded his case to no avail, finally someone else let him in
- The Swiss maestro recalled the story to his close friend Trevor Noah on The Daily Show.
Tennis icon Roger Federer recalled the hilarious moment he was barred from Wimbledon despite being world famous for his exploits on the club’s Center Court.
An eight-time winner of the men’s singles at the All England Club, the 41-year-old was in London a fortnight ago for a doctor’s appointment.
He decided to have a meal at the famous sports stadium – and that’s where the trouble started.
Recalling his epic story to introduce Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, Federer revealed that he was turned away because he was not carrying a membership card.
“I drove to the door where guests normally come in. So I go out and tell my coach who was with me, ‘I’ll go out quickly and talk to the security lady. I have this,'” she recalled. .
Tennis icon Roger Federer recalled the hilarious moment when he was recently banned from Wimbledon
So I come out and say, “Hello, I was wondering how I could get into Wimbledon.” She asked me if she had a membership card.
‘When you win Wimbledon, you automatically become a member.
‘And honestly, I don’t know about the membership cards, they’re probably at home somewhere and I’ve just traveled so I had no idea.
“I said, ‘No, I don’t have my membership card, but I am a member. I’m just wondering where I can get in.'”
His plea fell on deaf ears, with a bewildered Federer continuing to plead his case.
“I’m like, ‘No, I’m a member and normally when I’m here, I’m playing. And now it’s the first time the tournament isn’t going on and I’m here.’
Even the fact that Federer has won eight times at the All England Club wasn’t enough to get him through the gates (pictured with 2009 trophy)
Federer required his membership card to enter, and since he did not have it with him, the security guard, who did not recognize him, did not move.
“I look at her in a panic one last time and say, ‘I’m so sorry, but I’ve won this tournament eight times, please believe me, I’m a member.'”
The Swiss master then tried his luck at another gate with another security guard, and was recognized and allowed in.
Federer then enjoyed tea with the Wimbledon president for an hour before boarding a flight home.
Winner of 20 Grand Slams, he announced his retirement from the sport earlier this year.