What happened to Roger Federer during his only ever appearance at Queen’s was a real surprise

The Swiss had an opportunity to win a ninth Wimbledon title in 2019, but Federer was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the final where he had two championship points.

One of the biggest tournaments ahead of Wimbledon every year is the Queen’s Club Championships, where Federer made his one and only appearance in 1999.

What happened to Roger Federer during his only appearance at Queen’s in 1999

In 1999, reigning Wimbledon junior champion Federer would make his Queen’s Club debut at just 17 years old.

Federer had lost in the first round of Roland Garros, and was hoping to bounce back in his first round match at Queen’s against 13th seed Byron Black.

However, that was not to be the case, with Black beating a teenage Federer, 6-3 6-0, in just 52 minutes at the prestigious Queen’s Club.

This was one of only five times that the soon-to-be Swiss superstar was bagelled (lost a set 6-0) during his entire career, with the last coming when Hurkacz beat Federer at Wimbledon in 2021.

After suffering this heavy defeat at the Queen’s Club Championships, Federer would never compete at the ATP tournament ever again.

Why did Roger Federer never return to Queen’s?

It has been reported that Federer applied for a Queen’s wildcard a year later in 2000, but that was apparently rejected as the tournament opted to award other players a place in the draw.

Federer would then choose to play at another grass court tournament in Halle, where he would make his debut in 2000.

He would reach back-to-back quarter-finals in 2000 and 2001, before reaching the semi-finals in 2002, but it was in 2003 where things really started to begin for him.

At 21 years of age, he would win the Halle Open title for the first time in 2003, before Federer won Wimbledon for the first time a few weeks later.

Federer would win the Halle every year between 2003 and 2007, and in 2010 he signed a lifetime contract to play the tournament every year until he retired.

After signing this contract, Federer said, “I’m delighted, it feels a bit like I am getting married. I wanted to plan more long-term.

“I want to build up friendships and I get on really well with (organisers) Ralf and Gerhard Weber.”

After more years of success, Federer would win a record 10th and final title at the Halle Open in 2019.

Federer would make his final appearance at the Halle Open in 2021, losing in the second round to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Although Queen’s have had many great champions over the years, they may have some regrets over not awarding Federer that wildcard in 2000.