Roger Federer praised for sitting alone in Wimbledon royal box after being deserted by guests

History's finest tennis player - it's not up for debate, sorry - Roger Federer is being celebrated for remaining in Centre Court's Royal Box when everybody else had vanished.

He'd been invited to enjoy the day's action at Wimbledon by the Chair of the All England Club yesterday (6 July), alongside Kimi Antonelli (F1 champion in waiting), actors James Norton, Jason Flemyng and David Harewood, Pippa and Carole Middleton, comic Lenny Henry and fellow sporting great Billie Jean King.

In front of them were the likes of Grigor Dimitrov, Arthur Fery, Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka, trading blistering serves and hypnotic rallies.

Since 1922, the Wimbledon Championships (one of the four Grand Slams and the only one to be played on grass surfacing) has welcomed special guests into the Royal Box.

Traditionally, UK and international royal families appear on the guest list, as do government heads, commercial partners, members of the British armed forces, prominent tennis alumni and faces from the entertainment business.

As well as fantastically positioned seats on court, they are treated to dinner, tea and drinks across the day at the Clubhouse.

Federer, the epitome of suave, now seems to have gone viral for happily staying in the Royal Box despite the rest of the guests meandering away back to the Clubhouse.

The reason is simple: he has too much respect for the tournament's competitors and still loves the game four years on from retiring.

Reacting to a picture of 'The Swiss Maestro' sitting alone, one person wrote on X: "Clearly the only one who's there to watch the tennis. True to himself, a legend."

"The image of the tournament," declared another. "It's 8:50 p.m. at Wimbledon. All the sheep, stuffed with champagne, have deserted the Royal Box. Only one remains. Federer. Out of respect for the players, and especially for the last Roland-Garros champion. The ultimate elegance."

"Class personified. I don't even have the words to say how much I admire him. And tennis isn't even my favourite sport," shared somebody else.

"Federer reminds us that respect for the game is most evident when the cameras are no longer seeking anyone out. Staying until the end to salute the players' effort speaks louder than any speech. It's this kind of detail that explains why his aura transcends the titles," read a fourth fan response.

Between 2003 and 2017, Federer was the undisputed king of the grass, winning a record eight Wimbledon titles.

His 2007 final against Rafael Nadal, which ended 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2, is considered by many to be the greatest-ever contest of its kind.

If, like the rest of the Royal Box yesterday, you were to head in search of some champagne and refreshments at Wimbledon, well... you better hope those lottery numbers come in.

Wimbledon food and drink prices

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.