While he may no longer hold the record for the most Grand Slam titles in history, no man has won Wimbledon more times than Roger Federer.
Federer is an eight-time champion at the All England Club, having hoisted the famous trophy for the first time in 2003.
The Swiss won five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 2003 to 2007, a feat only Bjorn Borg had managed in the Open Era.
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He won the title again in 2009, 2012 and for the final time in 2017, when he did not drop a set throughout the tournament.
Despite being the most successful player in men’s singles history at the event, one of the security guards at Wimbledon failed to recognise Federer in 2022.
Roger Federer’s encounter with a security guard at Wimbledon
Appearing on the Daily Show that year, Federer told the story of his near-failed attempt to get into Wimbledon when the tournament was not on.
Federer was in London to have a second opinion on his knee by a doctor, but had two hours to kill before his flight, so he decided to head to Wimbledon for some tea.
I have not really been at Wimbledon when the tournament is not on, so I drive up to the gate where usually guests come in, where you would arrive and then go up,” began Federer.
“I get out and tell my coach who was with me at the time, Severin, I tell him I’ll quickly go out and speak to the security lady, I got this, but I did not!”
Federer had asked the security guard where he can enter the grounds, but was told he must be a member.
The legend is, of course, a member of the All England Club, as every winner of Wimbledon gains automatic membership.
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“I don’t know about membership cards; they’re probably at home somewhere. And I’ve just been travelling so I have no idea.
“So I’m like, ‘No I don’t have my membership card. But I am a member. I’m just wondering where I can get in?’ And she says, ‘But you have to be a member’.
“I’m in a panic now, and I feel so bad about this, but I look at her and say, ‘I’ve won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member. Where do I get in?”
Federer finally managed to get in when other security guards recognised him.
He explained: “The security guards are there, they’re like ‘Oh my God Mr Federer, what are you doing here? Do you have your membership card?’ I’m like, no I don’t, but is it possible to get in? ‘Of course, we’ll open the door, let me organise it.'”
Roger Federer’s last appearance at Wimbledon
Federer officially retired in 2022, but he had his last Wimbledon campaign the season before.
At the 2021 Championships, Federer reached the quarterfinals, becoming the oldest man to do so in SW19, aged 39 years and 337 days.
He beat the likes of Cameron Norrie, Richard Gasquet and Lorenzo Sonego en route to the last eight.
But Federer was knocked out by big server Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.
The event was ultimately won by Novak Djokovic, who clinched a 20th major title, tying Federer and Rafael Nadal’s record.
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