By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, July 4, 2023
The Centre Court docket roof was closed but Roger Federer practically blew the lid off the place.
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer returned to Centre Court docket right now and was showered with one of many longest sustained standing ovations in current reminiscence.
Sporting a lightweight tan swimsuit, the 41-year-old Swiss celebrity strode down the steps into the Royal Field and absorbed the love from the packed Centre Court docket crowds. Followers, some carrying the signature “RF” baseball caps, stood with sensible telephones raised.
Soaking within the second, Federer waved to the adoring crowd, touched his coronary heart along with his left hand and gave a kiss to spouse Mirka Federer earlier than greeting Princess Kate. Immediately behind Federer, his dad and mom, Robert and Lynette Federer, stood and applauded as tears welled up in his mom’s eyes.
Twenty years after a younger Federer, sporting saggy Nike garments and a ponytail, defeated Mark Philippoussis 7-6(5), 6-2, 7-6(3), he was greeted with a compilation video displaying the magic, recollections and tributes from right now’s gamers, too.
The person who captured 5 consecutive Wimbledon crowns between 2003-2007 appeared to relish his new function as tennis fan.
Seated between Princess Kate and spouse Mirka, Federer stayed to observe reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina towards American Shelby Rogers. The Swiss Maestro chatted with Princess Kate and Mirka all through the opening set of the Rybakina vs. Rogers opener.
Photograph credit score: Karwai Tang/Getty
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