Wimbledon delivered one of those moments on Monday that can only happen at the All England Club. The round of 16 match between Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka started at 9:00 PM local time with a completely unexpected sight: the Royal Box, the most exclusive box at Centre Court, had only four people at the beginning of the match.
Among them, of course, was Roger Federer.
The Swiss, an eight-time champion of the tournament and one of the greatest legends in Wimbledon history, sat in the front row while television cameras showed an almost empty box. It was such an unusual sight that quickly went viral on social media, where numerous fans didn’t hesitate to comment on the contrast between the importance of the match and the scarce presence of guests in the most coveted spot at the All England Club.
The image was shared by journalist José Morgado, who summed up the scene with a phrase that immediately resonated with tennis fans: "The Royal Box has four people at the start of the match. One of them, front row, is Roger Federer. You gotta love him".
The Royal Box has FOUR people there at the start of the Zverev vs. Lehecka match at 9pm.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) 6 juillet 2026
One of them, front row, is Roger Federer.
You gotta love him.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/qbLfAr9uzL
The aura of Federer multiplies at Wimbledon
The Royal Box is reserved for members of the British royal family, celebrities, honored guests, and former champions. It usually appears full during the tournament's big days, so seeing it nearly empty at a men's round of 16 is a true rarity.
Beyond possible explanations — like the nighttime hour or the late arrival of some guests — the photograph captured a moment full of symbolism. Years after his retirement, Federer still occupies a privileged place at Wimbledon. No longer wielding a racket, but as a luxury spectator. His mere presence was enough to turn an almost empty box into one of the most photographed and commented corners of the day.
Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale La imagen más insólita de Wimbledon: Roger Federer, ¡completamente solo en el Royal Box!

