Roger Federer recalls hilarious story of being denied entry into Wimbledon

Bengaluru, December 9: Eight-time champion at the All-England club, Roger Federer has recalled a hilarious incident when he was not allowed to enter Wimbledon.

The Swiss great revealed about the story in an episode of The Daily Show released on Thursday (December 8), when host Trevor Noah asked him about the incident.

The 41-year-old Federer, who holds the record for winning the Wimbledon title the most by any player, said he was stopped by a security guard for not having his membership card.

"When you win Wimbledon, you become a member automatically. So, I'm like, 'No, I don't have my membership card but I am a member and I'm just wondering where I can get in,' and she said, 'Yeah, but you have to be a member.'", Federer recalled the incident.

"I was like, 'I'm just asking you again where can I get in', and she said, 'The other side, but you have to be a member'."

Complete List of Grand Slams Won By Federer

When a player wins Wimbledon, he immediately becomes a member of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (ALTEC), a feat Federer has accomplished eight times.

"So, I look at her one last time and I'm so sorry, I couldn't believe and still can't believe I said this and because I still feel bad about it. I'd look at her and say, 'I have won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member!'" he added.

That time Wimbledon security wouldn’t let @rogerfederer in 😂 pic.twitter.com/mcREy62E13

— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) December 8, 2022

Federer, who was unfamiliar with membership cards, informed her that he did not have one but was a member.

"When I said I won Wimbledon eight times, for a split second, I wasn't sure if it was eight anymore because I thought it 'was it seven, was it eight? I don't know'. But I said it because I never talk like this," Federed added.

Federer further said that he had to drive to another gate before being recognised by a security guard, who took a picture with him and set up a meeting with the ALTEC chairman.

"And I thought of going over to the other side and giving a wave that I was in but I didn't do it," Federer joked.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who announced his retirement earlier this year, bowed out with a dream doubles game with long-time friend and rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.