Next year, the former World No. 1 hopes to return to Wimbledon
During the centennial celebrations on Centre Court Sunday, Roger Federer joined a parade of former Wimbledon champions. A year ago, he reached the quarterfinals of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, and he was delighted to be back on the court where he made many of his best memories.
He said in the on-court ceremony, “I have been lucky enough to play many matches on this court.” “I am honored to be here with other champions. This court has been the site of my biggest wins and losses.”
One of Federer’s personal highlights was his 2001 victory over seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras – his first Centre Court victory.
Federer said the American “inspires a lot of us to try to also succeed here and represent the sport well.” I hope I can come back again.
Two years later, Federer won the first of his eight Wimbledon crowns by defeating Mark Philippoussis in the 2003 final. No man has won more than his eight singles titles at SW19, and this year’s event is the first he has missed at The Championships since his 1999 debut.
“Of course I missed being here [this year as a player],” he said. “I would have loved to be here. I knew walking out here last year it was going to be a tough year ahead. Maybe I didn’t think it was going to take me this long to come back but the knee has been rough on me.
“But I’ve been happy, I’ve been happy at home. It’s been a good year, regardless of tennis. Our kids our fine… I travelled so much for so many years.”
On Sunday, the Swiss was happy to get back on the road to mark the momentous occasion.
“I didn’t know if I should make the trip, but I’m happy standing right here right now,” he said in front of a packed crowd and full Royal Box, with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Bjorn Borg, Billie Jean King and Rod Laver joining him on court for the celebrations.
