Sven Micossé (text) and Sven Thomann (images) from Wimbledon
For more than two decades, there has been one constant for tennis fans. Those who get tickets for Wimbledon have the chance to see Roger Federer (40) play in their living room. But this year it’s different, Federer is missing because of his knee operation. After all, his cardboard likeness can cause amusement among the followers.
The tickets for Wimbledon go like “warmi Weggli” every year – especially for the two main courts Center Court and Court No. 1. If you are not lucky enough to snag one of the coveted tickets, you do not necessarily have to look into the tube. All you need is some patience and preferably a love of camping.
At Wimbledon, the “cue” is as much an institution as strawberries with cream. Die-hard tennis fans line up at Wimbledon Park days in advance. There are 500 day tickets each for the big courts. “I went to Wimbledon for the first time in 1995. I’m here for the eleventh time. I’m camping for the sixth time, »says Takayuki.
Camping for two weeks
The Japanese only came from Osaka with his tent, there is only camping for two weeks. «Everyone loves to camp here and you meet great people. You get fantastic tickets for the first five rows. You used to be extremely close to Roger. It was amazing.”
According to Takayuki, the absence of the «maestro» is the reason why only around a third as many people are queuing as before. This is also confirmed by security man Tony, who happily poses next to the cardboard Federer. “You used to be able to tell when Federer would play. Then there were always many more people standing in line. This was also the case with Rafael Nadal.”
In fact, on the first Wednesday there are only two rows of tents set up. The meadow, which extends over the area of several football fields, still offers a lot of space. Some use it, play beach tennis or badminton. Most run beer or Wimbledon’s favorite Pimm’s – a gin-based liquor served with lemonade.
Susanne, Michelle, Greg and Dave enjoy the drink and play cards, the British flag adorns their tent. “We miss him very much – of course. How can anyone in the sport not miss Roger. We’re here for the 38th year in a row, so we’ve seen every one of his performances,” says Susanne.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. “We already have our tickets for the Laver Cup – for all five sessions. So we’ll see him play.”
Murray and Raducanu cannot replace Roger
It’s clear who they keep their fingers crossed for in Wimbledon in Federer’s absence: “Andy Murray!” The Londoners fired like a gun. Unfortunately, he says goodbye to the tournament a few hours later. As does her second British favourite: Emma Raducanu.
But it’s not just camp veterans who spend the night in front of the gates of the All England Club. Federer’s namesake Roger has traveled from Wales with Ivi and Kasha. The two women are originally from Kraków and are particularly looking forward to their Polish compatriot Iga Swiatek. But for Roger there is only the Maestro. “I still remember when he was 19 and used his backhand with top spin for the first time – unbelievable. He used to have his outbursts of anger, smashing bats. But after that he became a legend and ‘Mr. Cool>.”
