Roger Federer a ‘class act’ who ‘took Wimbledon to the next level’ says Mats Wilander at special ceremony

Mats Wilander believes Roger Federer “took Wimbledon to the next level” after watching the eight-time champion being honoured with a special ceremony on Centre Court.

Federer won Wimbledon five years in a row from 2003 to 2007.

As much as his results made an impression at the Grand Slam, Federer was also adored for his approach and his graceful style.

“Here at Wimbledon this is where he made his mark,” said Eurosport expert Wilander after Federer was given a long standing ovation as he came onto Centre Court ahead of the day’s play.

“I think he took Wimbledon to the next level with the way he played on the court and the ambassador he is.

“You know I don’t like the saying who is the GOAT, because ‘greatest of all time’ is one thing, but ‘best of all time’ we will give to Novak Djokovic these days. The ‘greatest of all time’ I like to give to Roger Federer because I think he put tennis in everyone’s TV set.”

Federer first won Wimbledon in 2003, beating Andy Roddick in the semi-finals and Mark Philippoussis in the final.

He contested some epic finals, including against Rafael Nadal in 2008, which is regarded as one of the best Grand Slam finals ever.

Federer’s last Wimbledon final was in 2019 when he lost to Novak Djokovic after having two championship points.

“They go together in so many ways, you think of Wimbledon you think of Roger, and vice versa,” added Eurosport expert Laura Robson, who said the ceremony was a “beautiful moment”.

“He loves coming down here and since his retirement he has been here a few times throughout the year, he has just been in London and happened to pop by when he has had a few free hours. He is embracing his role as member now he is not playing.

“I think it’s been enough time now where he is ready to embrace the farewell and he seems so happy to get out there and experience the fans again and experience Wimbledon as a spectator.”

Wilander also said he was curious to see what Federer does next now he has retired from tennis.

“It will be interesting to see what he does with the rest of his life, is he going to be part of tennis in the way we are [in the media]? Is he going to be coaching?

“He has his management company and is involved in a clothing line, but I would love to hear him commentate just to hear what he has to say, it would be great.

“It was so sad when he decided to retire, that is the sadness moment I have witnessed in professional tennis. He is a great guy, so nice to everybody, a class act.”

Federer was joined in the Royal Box on Centre Court by his wife Mirka.

He also sat alongside the Princess of Wales, who earlier watched British No. 1 Katie Boulter in action on Court 18 in her first-round match against Daria Saville.

Defending women’s champion Elena Rybakina was first up on Centre Court against Shelby Rogers.

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