After the magnificent opening ceremony on the River Seine, welcoming thousands of athletes from around the world, Paris is celebrating the return of the Olympics after a century. And this is not all. The appeal of the Paris Olympics has been so that it led to a change of heart for the Roger Federer fan, Anna Wintour. As she has front-row seats reserved as the top seeds, Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek take the center court.

Anna Wintour was a frequent visitor, sitting in the very front row, grasping first-hand action and witnessing the wins when Federer used to take the court. However, it has been years since Federer’s retirement, and now Wintour has returned to the front row of Philippe Chatrier, this time to enjoy the top seeds starting their campaign for the Olympic gold. While many would have thought that after watching Swiatek win in straight sets, the media executive would bid goodbye to the Parisian crowd. However, much to the surprise of everyone, she stayed back to watch Federer’s arch-nemesis take over the court.

A tennis fan clicked the pic of her enjoying the competitive atmosphere of the clay court during Iga Swiatek’s match. As they captioned the pic, “Casual Anna Wintour watching a tennis match at the Olympic games.” Though nothing was casual today. On a casual day, Wintour would have been enjoying Roger Federer gracing the court. Though this could be the new normal for her, she enjoys some Olympic tennis!

Does this mean Wintour might be moving on from being a Federer fan? Absolutely not, as she has been there since the beginning of his career, and witnessed his whole legacy unfolding in front of her eyes. Hence, there is not even a sliver of doubt that to this day she comfortably sits in Federer’s corner. However, there is no harm in watching some good tennis sometimes, after supporting her favorite through every turn. And the recent being his documentary. 

Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, a tale of friendship for the ages

Federer made his debut back in 1998. However, his first Grand Slam came only in 2003, almost 5 years later at Wimbledon. It was in 2005 that the friendship between Wintour and Federer blossomed from the moment they met. Since then, Wintour has been there to support her favorite whenever and wherever possible. The latest one was at the screening of his documentary when the two were clicked together. However, Wintour describes herself as merely a fan, and nothing else. As she shares every happiness and trauma a Federer fan would be at his highs and lows.

She once opened up about her admiration for the 20-time Grand Slam champion. She said, “I have flown across the world for his tournaments; I’ve endured agony when he’s been a set down and ecstasy when he’s stormed back; I have even missed more than the occasional fashion show—all for the privilege of witnessing Roger play what is surely the greatest tennis of all time.”

What could be a better combination than being a friend and a fan? Enjoying the legend scripting his legacy from close, and loving tennis. Hence, it makes all the more sense for Wintour to enjoy tennis.