Roger Federer returns to Wimbledon to watch Novak Djokovic

July 7, 2025

Roger Federer made his return to Centre Court at Wimbledon to watch old foe Novak Djokovic’s Round of 16 clash with Alex de Minaur.

Federer, 43, was spotted in the royal box alongside a number of popular sportspeople such as England cricketers Joe Root and Jimmy Anderson.

He was sitting behind comedian Michael McIntyre and around him were King Frederik X of Denmark as well as Carole and Michael Middleton, parents of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.

The Swiss sensation, widely regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest tennis player of all-time, won eight Wimbledon titles – the most in the history of the men’s game.

Federer was once quoted: “Wimbledon was always my favourite tournament, and will always be my favourite tournament.”

He sat alongside his wife Mirka, whom he met at the 2000 Summer Olympics. She is also a former tennis professional but retired in 2002 due to a persistent foot injury.

Federer retired in September 2022 at the age of 41 with 20 Grand Slam singles titles. Ability wise, there is no question he had plenty more left in the tank but his body started to shut down and late-career injury problems marred what should’ve been a fairytale ending.

His rivalry with Djokovic was one of the most prolific in sporting history, facing each other 50 times in total. Djokovic led the head-to-head record 27-23 including 13-6 in finals.

At the majors, Djokovic came out on top 11-6 – five of which were in finals and a record 11 in the semi-finals. Djokovic is the only player to have beaten Federer at all four majors and Federer is the only player to have beaten Djokovic at each one.

A king of the court in the Royal Box

Welcome back to Centre Court, @rogerfederer #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/vWVZK2voA4

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2025

According to the top betting sites in Ireland, Djokovic is the 7/1 third-favourite to win the tournament and add a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy to his illustrious cabinet.

Last week, Djokovic thanked his doctor’s ‘miracle pills’ for helping him progress into the second round after battling an illness.