No Nadal. No Osaka. No Halep. But “we” have Federer. For weeks now, the British press has been obsessing over the Swiss sports icon as Wimbledon resumed after a break last year following the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Sure, they are hoping that local girl Johanna Konta will justify her talent. And praying that 34-year-old former champ Andy Murray’s comeback will translate to more wins and less tears. Yet, Roger Federer (and his knee) remain the most discussed topic since he pulled out midway from this year’s French Open to prepare for what he calls “Tennis’ Holy Grail”. 

A decade ago, when this writer had signed up for a tour of its courts and museum, we were treated to a front-row seat of Britain’s long-running love affair with this honorary citizen. It was a rare August morning when the sun obliged us with an extended presence. After making an online tour booking, we boarded a train to Wimbledon from our base in Hertfordshire. The excitement built up each time the train exited a station en route to our tennis pilgrimage. When we reached our destination, guidebook in tow, we ditched the bus and walked the scenic two-kilometre trail. SW19, for the uninitiated—is the suburb code for the town of Wimbledon. Back in the pre-Airbnb era, classic Wimbledon documentaries would show how big guns like Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and others found it practical to rent apartments or stay as paying guests in the charming neighbourhood near the arena. After 20 minutes of brisk walking, the boundary wall of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) came into full view. At the entrance to Gate 5, the tour’s starting point, Britain’s champion Grand Slam winner Fred Perry’s statue gave us a grand welcome.