Federer factor may be cause of fan apathy

The injury absence of Roger Federer and the first-round exit of Serena Williams could be partly to blame for the reduced crowd number at the current edition of Wimbledon.

Eurosport’s Mats Wilander pointed out the possible cause with attendance figures trailing by around 4,000 fans per day through the gates of the All England Club.

Official figures for the first three days of play show around 38,500 visitors per day entering a venue which can hold 42,000 around the grounds.

“I thought it was pretty much full every day since I’ve been here since the early 80s,” former Grand Slam champion and current commentator Wilander said.

“But, I’m not sure what you put that down to, to be honest.

“Obviously something can have to do with Roger Federer not playing, Serena Williams going out early, but yeah, I’m not sure. That’s obviously a concern.”

Federer, 40 with eight Wimbledon trophies,, is not expected back on a court until the autumn as he rehabs multiple knee problems;

Seven-time winner Williams, who last played a Tour match one year ago, was busted out in the opening round, losing to French No. 115 Harmony Tan.

AddThis Website Tools
Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Raducanu dumps BJK Cup appearance

Emma Raducanu has made a last-minute schedule change, with the Briton withdrawing from BJK Cup…

13 hours ago

Badosa aims for back injury return by Madrid

Paula Badosa has given herself less than a month to be fit for the Madrid…

3 days ago

Teen Mensik denies Djokovic his title century

Czech Jakub Mensik crashed the Miami Masters party for Novak Djokovic as the teenager kept…

4 days ago

Sabalenka wins Miami with 3rd defeat of Pegula

Aryna Sabalenka shook off a one-hours rain delay as she defeated Jessica Pegula for the…

5 days ago

Kasatkina confirms move to Australia

Daria Kastakina will make an immediate move to Australia and take over the title as…

6 days ago

Djoko closes in on his magic 100th title

Novak Djokovic moved to within one victory of his record 100th career title, with the…

6 days ago