Roger Federer praised for watching Wimbledon match until 11pm finish
Roger Federer was praised at Wimbledon after choosing to remain in the Royal Box until the very end of Monday's play, staying until the 11pm curfew while the other high-profile guests had departed for dinner. The 44-year-old, watching alone among rows of empty seats, was seen as showing respect to the players still competing on Centre Court, adding to his gentlemanly reputation in the sport.
The late finish followed British qualifier Arthur Fery's five-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov, which ended after 8pm, leaving Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka to play under the roof afterwards. Zverev led 6-4, 7-5, 3-3 when play was suspended at the 11pm cut-off. Other notable figures in the Royal Box included Billie Jean King, Formula One driver Kimi Antonelli, England footballer Alessia Russo, Lenny Henry, actor Ncuti Gatwa and BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski.
- Federer stayed in the Royal Box alone until Wimbledon's 11pm curfew.
- He skipped dinner out of respect for Zverev and Lehecka.
- Zverev led 6-4, 7-5, 3-3 when play was suspended.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “The lonely last man in the Royal Box: Roger Federer is hailed for staying late until last ball at Wimbledon at 11pm – while rest of A-listers went for dinner!”.