GRASS IS GREENER
ROGER FEDERER has impressed fans with his classy US Open pass.
The organisers at Flushing Meadows have gone above and beyond for the 20-time grand slam champion, and for good reason.
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At Wimbledon earlier year the legendary tennis player was denied entry because a security guard did not recognise him.
Federer did not have the same problem in New York as he was supplied with a classy US Open pass.
The card pays attention to detail and describes Federer as a five-time champion, while giving him unlimited access to all sessions.
The photo on the pass is of Federer looking sharp in a white tuxedo.
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Federer, 41, shared photos from his trip to the Big Apple which included a book signing and obligatory pizza eating.
It is a far cry from his experience at SW19 when he was prevented from entering the grounds despite being an eight-time champion at the All England Club.
Federer revealed the story, saying: “I didn’t tell Wimbledon in advance I would be coming. I didn’t know if I would have enough time to go by the Club before flying home.
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“But I went there for tea as I had two hours to spare. I drove up to the gate where guests come in. I spoke to this security lady. I told my coach, ‘I’ve got this’.
“I said to her: ‘I’m wondering how I can get into Wimbledon? Where is the door or gate?’
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“She said: ‘Do you have a membership card?’
“When you win Wimbledon you become a member automatically. I probably had one at home. I had no idea.
“She said I had to be a member. I told her I was and normally I’m here playing.
“I’m in a panic now, I still cannot believe I said this as I feel bad but I said: ‘I’ve won this tournament eight times – please believe me, I AM a member.’
“She didn’t let me in. I went to a gate on the other side and a random person recognised me and asked for a selfie.
“This other security guard let me. The chairman was there, I had tea for an hour.
“I did think about going over to the other side and giving a wave that I was in, but I didn’t do it.
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“When I said I had won Wimbledon for eight times, for a split second, I wasn’t sure if it was eight anymore. I never talk like this.
“But she was doing her job. Where is your name, picture, you don’t have it, sorry.”