Why tennis legend Rodger Federer was sitting completely alone in Wimbledon's Royal Box
Photos of tennis legend Roger Federer looking pretty lonesome inside Wimbledon's Royal Box are sweeping across social media.
On Monday (6 July), the 44-year-old Swiss athlete, who has won at SW19 on eight occasions, returned to Wimbledon with the Centre Court schedule starting at 1:30 pm with Jasmine Paolini’s three-set win over Alexandra Eala, before Arthur Fery beat Grigor Dimitrov in five thrilling sets.
However, by the time the third match of the day, between Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka, it was around 8:30 pm, and most of the celebs in the Royal Box had decided that they had watched enough tennis for one day.
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Federer, however, eagerly watched on amidst the sea of empty seats around him.
Really committing to the Wimbledon outing, the sportsman didn't end up leaving his seat until the close of proceedings at 11 pm when play was suspended with Zverev leading 6-4 7-5 3-3.
The following day on Tuesday (7 July), Zverev said it was 'very nice' of Federer to hang about until the very end.
"He was at some point sitting alone completely in the Royal Box. I think it was a phenomenal sight," he praised.
Fans on social media shared a similar sentiment as one X user gushed: "He is home, put your feet up, Roger!"
"Tennis legend," beamed a second as a third chimed in: "The legend that is Roger Federer!"
Another penned: "That says it all about the man. There is only one Roger Federer. What a respectful legend doing this."
And a final X user echoed: "Total respect."
Now, despite the slightly misleading name, the Royal Box isn't reserved solely for members of the Royal Family.
According to Wimbledon, invitations come from the Chair of the All England Club, taking into account suggestions from members of The Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association and other relevant sources.
The tournament explains that the Royal Box is reserved for 'British and overseas Royal Families, heads of government, people from the world of tennis, commercial partners, British armed forces, prominent media organisations, supporters of British tennis and other walks of life'.
That means alongside royals, you'll often spot actors, musicians, TV presenters, sporting legends and other notable guests enjoying the action from the best seats in the house.
Wimbledon food and drink prices
Fancy a tipple as you watch Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek defend their Wimbledon titles? Well then, better hope those lottery numbers come in.
Not only has a 15-year freeze on the price of strawberries and cream ended, but your wallet will take a beating if you want hot food, and God forbid you want alcohol.
These are some of the worst offenders.
Food
Sausage roll - £5.40 (The Hill Larder)
Greggs, this is not.
Cornish pasty - £7 (The Hill Larder)
This better not be dry.
Fish finger sandwich - £14.50 (Walled Garden)
I’ll stick to the Maccies filet-o-fish for a fiver, I reckon.
Cumberland sausage (aka a hot dog) - £8.70 (Tea Lawn Sausage Grill)
You do get crispy onions and a brioche roll for your trouble.
Stuffed Courgette - £21.55 (Cafe Pergola)
The vegetable ratatouille comes with a choice of side salad, but surely this is a little steep.
Strawberries and cream - £2.85
The first time the price has gone up in 15 years; they’re 15p dearer nowadays.
Drink
250ml can of Pimms - £10.75 (Southern Village Pizza and Tea Lawn Sausage Grill)
Or…. you can watch at home and get a can for £2.24 from Asda. If you want a reusable glass with it, it's £13.45.
Stella Artois - £8.95 for a pint (Walled Garden and Tea Lawn Bar)
Inching towards a tenner for a Stella is criminal, surely?
250ml can of gin and tonic - £10.75 (Southern Village Pizza)
You can get a can of Gordon’s G&T for £2.40 at Tesco, just saying.
Bottle of Lanson Le Rosé Création Brut NV - £102 (Tea Lawn Bar)
No thanks.
Rhiannon Ingle