Wimbledon legend Roger Federer watched Andy Murray’s first-round victory (Picture: BBC)
Andy Murray poked fun at Roger Federer following the British star’s win over Ryan Peniston in the first round of Wimbledon on Tuesday.
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer was honoured with a special ceremony before the start of play on the second day of the Championships on Centre Court.
Federer retired last September in London and holds the record for the most Wimbledon men’s singles titles in history.
He was met with a huge round of applause as he took his seat in the royal box and looked emotional as spectators paid tribute to one of the sport’s true greats.
Federer watched Elena Rybakina’s win over Shelby Rogers before turning his attention towards Murray’s all-British battle against Peniston.
Murray teased the Swiss legend in his on-court interview as he said: ‘It was amazing to have some royalty here… but also some tennis royalty as well!
‘It’s amazing to have Roger here. The last time I was on this court and he was watching was during the Olympics and he was sat in [fellow Swiss player] Stan Wawrinka’s box – supporting against me!’
After the crowd stopped laughing, Murray added: ‘It was nice to see a couple claps today after some good shots. It’s amazing and hope you are doing well, Roger.’
Elena Rybakina, meanwhile, paid tribute to Federer after he watched her win over Shelby before Murray.
Rybakina, the current women’s singles champion, was asked after her 4-6 6-1 6-2 victory if she felt inspired by Federer’s presence just 10 feet behind her.
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‘Yeah, maybe that’s why I was nervous because actually I really like Roger!’ the 24-year-old said. ‘When I was younger, I was always watching him play.
‘It was really special. The year after to be again on this court with the same crowd, it was really special.’
Men’s world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, who was playing on the No.1 Court while Federer was watching Rybakina, said: ‘I saw that Roger Federer was here. I was a little bit jealous! Honestly, I want Roger Federer to watch one of my matches obviously.’
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‘[He was] supporting against me!’