LONDON: Roger Federer is religion at Wimbledon. On these sprawling grounds at SW19, where he has claimed a record eight titles, he has a following few others can match across sporting disciplines.
On an afternoon when The Championships celebrated Roger Federer day, the Royal Box was full and everyone was in their assigned seats, waiting for Catherine, Princess of Wales. Dressed in French designer Balmain's mint blazer, which she layered over a pleated midi skirt, there was a round of cheers for the patron of the club.
Catherine took over the role from the late Queen in 2016.
Then Federer, looking dapper in a beige suit, paired with a Breton striped shirt, was welcomed into the Royal box.
Everyone on Centre Court was on their foot, applauding tennis royalty. On a rain drenched day in southwest London, the cheers refused to die until Federer finally took his seat.
The Swiss' 22-years on these grounds, including his eight titles, was a capsuled in a short film, with fellow players paying tribute to the man who has represented this sport better than any other.
In his younger days, Federer had spoken about returning to the All England Club after his retirement to enjoy a cup of tea. And the love perhaps.
