Roger Federer has earned the right to do anything he pleases in the tennis arena, and the Swiss legend has gone viral for sitting by himself at Wimbledon.

Federer, who won the competition a record eight times during his illustrious career, was spotted all alone in Centre Court’s Royal Box during Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka’s match.

Federer was one of many special guests in the Royal Box on July 6, along with the likes of Kimi Antonelli and ex-England striker Alessia Russo. But fans were left shocked to see the 44-year-old sitting on his own, surrounded by empty seats.

Why Federer Was Sitting Alone in the Royal Box

The image of Federer surrounded by empty seats quickly went viral on social media. But some wondered why he was the only one present in the first place. Where had the other stars and celebrities gone?

Chris Bradnam on commentary said: “The legend that is Roger Federer. An eight-time champion, and the king of Centre Court. It’s great that he is here, he’s been there all day, and he’s here for ball No. 1.

“Always said he played tennis because he just loved it, and he loves watching it as well.”

That love for the sport he dominated for two decades and the late start time (8:30pm in the UK) are believed to be the main reasons behind his loneliness. Federer respects those on the court, and showed it with his presence.

It also didn’t appear to bother him in the slightest. In fact, he often had a smile across his face. Tennis fans have only grown more admiration for the man after seeing this.

His actions have received strong praise from fans of the sport. One posted on social media: “Clearly the only one who’s there to watch the tennis. True to himself, a legend,” pointing out the others who had departed.

Another was critical of ‘the sheep’ who weren’t as interested in the action on the court. “It’s 8:50 p.m. at Wimbledon. All the sheep, stuffed with champagne, have deserted the Royal Box. Only one remains. Federer. Out of respect for the players, and especially for the last Roland-Garros champion. The ultimate elegance.”

Federer is perhaps the most respected tennis player of all time, and that was summed up by one spectator: “Class personified. I don’t even have the words to say how much I admire him. And tennis isn’t even my favourite sport.”

One superstar from the top of the game has reportedly issued a come-get-me plea amid links with Tottenham. Spurs have already spent big this summer, putting together a record spend of more than £230million, snapping up Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes among others.

Spurs are determined to avoid another bottom half finish, and they are asking Roberto De Zerbi to take them back into European qualification contention next season. A big spend is obviously going to be required to make that happen after back-to-back bottom-half finishes, but the North London club are living up to their promises on that front.

The midfield and defence has been heavily bolstered already this summer, and attention will now turn to the attacking positions.

Tottenham now assessing attacking options

Spurs have now ticked off their defensive and midfield recruitment, and they now need to consider their attacking options, with a lack of depth up top and out wide. Tottenham have not signed loan striker Randal Kolo Muani, meaning they are down to two strikers, while Spurs lacked options out wide last season amid Dejan Kulusevski’s injury troubles.

Mohammed Kudus also had his injury troubles, while Xavi Simons, who can also play out wide, is going to be out with injury until the winter.

Whether Spurs can sign a winger and a striker this summer remains to be seen, but given the big spend, it could be that De Zerbi looks to sign a winger who can also play up top.

Leao gives go-ahead amid Spurs links

Spurs have been heavily linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, whose World Cup is now over following Portugal’s defeat to Spain on Monday evening. Leao has already asked to leave AC Milan, both publicly and privately, and he is expected to be available for around £61million this summer.

Tottenham are said to be interested, and according to journalist Daniele Longo, the player is fully willing to make the move to North London. He said on his YouTube channel: “Leao’s desire is to reach the Premier League, and he is also willing to wait for Tottenham.

“Tottenham is a welcome destination. If the rumours in the last few weeks turn into concrete offers of €60million, Leao is ready to say yes to Tottenham, even if he will not make it to the Champions League.”

Leao is a superstar attacker, and the likes of which Spurs need, and he has also regularly played in the number nine role for Milan. That is not Leao’s strength by any means, but he can play there, and he can certainly play wide. He is a powerful and dynamic winger who has a strong presence. He was described as a ‘genius’ by former boss Massimiliano Allegri, and most feel it was a huge mistake for Portugal boss Roberto Martinez not to start him against Spain for their Round of 16 defeat.

Arsenal have tabled a bid to hijack Liverpool’s move to sign Mexico sensation Gilberto Mora this summer, according to Azteca Puebla.

The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad in the current window after winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years last time out, while they also reached the Champions League final but suffered defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout.

Mikel Arteta has made a forward and a midfielder a priority ahead of the new season, and it has now emerged that they have been mightily impressed by the teenage sensation’s form during the World Cup.

Arsenal Table Bid for Gilberto Mora

REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

Mora, who has been described as the next Pedri and ‘absolutely fearless’, has shone during the summer tournament, starting regularly in central midfielder under Javier Aguirre, despite being just 17 years old.

It’s now expected that he will be on the move during the window following Mexico’s elimination from the tournament, with his agent Rafaela Pimenta admitting that she expects a deal to happen.

Liverpool made the first move by tabling a $20m (£14.9m) offer for the teenager, but it has now emerged that Arsenal have gazumped them and made a $25m (£18.6m) bid to take him to north London instead.

The Gunners have made it clear that their top target for the midfield is Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, but a deal for him looks difficult due to the Magpies’ demands.

However, it’s unclear if Mora is seen as an alternative or if the deal is one they want to do alongside the Brazilian. Their offer has been described as ‘stratospheric’, but no final decision on his next destination has been made yet.

Arsenal Can Overcome Monga Hangover

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Arsenal have been relatively quiet in the transfer window so far, with the strongest links coming to Guimaraes, Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola, although nothing is believed to be advanced at this stage.

The closest they have come to getting a deal done was with Jeremy Monga, before they were hijacked by Man City after opting against raising their offer. Now, Mora could be the perfect antidote to that flop, considering his first-team experience level.

Despite being 17, it’s clear that Mora is capable of making the step up to the top level and making an immediate imapct, and with Christian Norgaard expected to depart, replacing him with a younger player could be the perfect remedy.