The story behind Federer's viral image only in the Royal Box at Wimbledon

Streaming WTA Newport live tennis

🎾 Mananchaya Sawangkaew vs Mary Stoiana

1. Sign up with Bet365 here
2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

 PUBLICIDAD

Register at bet365, deposit €5 or more into your account and you will receive 100% of your eligible deposit in Bet Credits (up to €100). New customers only. Terms apply. Winnings do not include the value of Bet Credits. Maximum prizes, game restrictions, time limits and terms apply. Registration required.

The image of Roger Federer completely alone in the Royal Box during one of the days of Wimbledon went around the world. Thousands of fans wondered how it was possible that one of the greatest legends in the history of tennis was seated with no one around in the most exclusive box at the All England Club. Now, Andy Roddick has revealed the curious story behind that scene.

The former world number one explained on his podcast that he personally spoke with Federer after the photograph went viral, and the Swiss told him exactly what had happened. "Do you want to know the story? I also messaged him after seeing it," Roddick began explaining.

Andy texted Roger about his hilarious viral moment at Wimbledon, and the reply was perfect. 🎾

Catch the full story now in the day 10 Quick Served! Link in bio! 🔗 pic.twitter.com/F6TQLYNOxF

— Served with Andy Roddick (@Served_Podcast) July 10, 2026

As Federer recounted, the situation occurred during the break between two matches on the Center Court. Spectators who had witnessed the previous match temporarily left their seats to go to the bathroom, buy food, or have a drink before the next match.

"Roger told me he distinctly remembered how that situation was when he played. A match ends, everyone gets up, goes to the bathroom, buys a sandwich or tea, and when the next players come out, the Royal Box is completely empty. It's a somewhat odd moment."

The image corresponded to the beginning of the match between Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka. The tournament protocol prevented the new guests from accessing the box until the first changeover of the match. Roddick even revealed that the All England Club tried to resolve that curious sight. "The club realized that the image was not the best and sent a member to accompany Roger. Just one person."

Federer, far from making a big deal out of it, understood perfectly what was happening. "He told me: 'I understand perfectly, I know what's going on, no problem'." After seeing the photograph, Roddick decided to tease his former rival and messaged him asking what he was doing alone in the Royal Box.

The response from the twenty-time Grand Slam champion was as elegant as it was playful. "I wrote to him: 'What's going on?'. And he replied: 'Nothing, just watching tennis... hanging out with all my friends'."

A cheeky reply that further turned a simple photograph into one of the most talked-about images of this year's Wimbledon edition.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La historia detrás de la imagen viral de Federer solo en el Royal Box de Wimbledon