‘I hope I can come back one more time’: Roger Federer delights Wimbledon with surprise appearance – updated after Centre Court celebration

Fans were thrilled to see the Swiss superstar in SW19

Switzerland’s Roger Federer walks outside Centre Court on day seven of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 3, 2022. (SIPA/AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Carrie Dunn

July 3, 2022

The rumours were true – Roger Federer arrived at Wimbledon on Sunday morning, suited and booted and ready to be part of the celebrations marking 100 years of the famous Centre Court.

He walked out to a huge crowd ovation, telling mistress of ceremonies Sue Barker: “Of course I’ve missed being here, I would have loved being here… the knee has been rough on me.”

And Federer paid tribute to his predecessors in the sport, including the absent Pete Sampras, adding: “I hope I can come back one more time.”

Other former champions joining the parade were Andy Murray, Goran Ivanisevic, Martina Hingis, Pat Cash, Venus Williams, Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg, Billie Jean King, John Newcombe, Jan Kodes, Lleyton Hewitt, Ann Jones, Margaret Court, Conchita Martinez, Chrissie Evert, Rod Laver, Stan Smith, Angela Mortimer, Angelique Kerber, Petra Kvitova, Marion Bartoli, Simona Halep, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Federer was the last to be called.

Federer’s surgery woes

The Swiss superstar has lifted the trophy in SW19 eight times – but has been absent this year.

Federer had his most recent knee operation in August 2021, which left him on crutches for two months before he began his rehabilitation process.

He has indicated that he hopes to return to action in the autumn.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer walks outside Centre Court on day seven of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 3, 2022. (SIPA/AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Federer’s knee surgery ended an incredible appearance streak that stretched back to 1999, when he made his first main-draw appearance and reached only the first round.

We've seen that scene before. 😲😅📽️ #Wimbledon2022 pic.twitter.com/ittgHkjGFX
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) July 3, 2022

Since then, however, his record has been somewhat more impressive – and even since his powers began to wane a little, his results on his beloved grass courts have still shone, reaching at least the quarter-finals in London every year since 2014.