Roger Federer cut a lonely figure as the sole occupant pictured in the Wimbledon Royal Box on Monday.

What happened?

He was in attendance for Alexander Zverev's clash against Jiri Lehecka, his third match of the day watched from the finest seat in the house on Centre Court.

Federer had already taken in Jasmine Paolini's victory over Alex Eala on the same court during Monday's opening match.

He stayed put as emerging British talent Arthur Fery announced himself on the world stage with a breathtaking five-set win over Grigor Dimitrov.

Why it matters for Roger Federer

The Swiss tennis legend, who has claimed victory at SW19 on eight occasions, returned to the iconic venue where he is regarded as a legendary presence.

Federer will undoubtedly be thrilled at being singled out by Fery, who pointed to the 44-year-old up in the then-packed stand, and said: "First time on this court. Five sets against an absolute legend of the game."

What comes next?

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Federer was spotted sitting in splendid isolation without a single familiar face beside him, after nearly four hours of Fery's gruelling battle with Dimitrov.

The Royal Box guests made a swift mass departure, filing back inside in considerable numbers, presumably to grab a bite to eat or take a well-earned break between matches.

But when Zverev and Lehecka strode out onto court to contest a place in the quarter-finals, the BBC could only pick out Federer remaining in the stands.

Fery revealed that watching Federer compete on the very same court had driven him to pursue a career as a professional player.

The British No. 3 explained last week: "I've watched matches on Centre Court before, I watched the final in 2014, I think Djokovic-Federer."

Federer's presence at the match was a significant moment for Fery, who grew up just five minutes from the Wimbledon venue.

The emerging talent gave Federer a special mention after his win, saying: "We've got probably the greatest of all time in the front row watching. I saw him."

Federer's legacy continues to inspire new generations of tennis players, including Fery, who is making a name for himself on the world stage.

The Wimbledon Royal Box is usually filled with familiar faces, but on this occasion, Federer was left to watch the match alone.

The scene was a rare sight, as Federer is usually surrounded by fans and fellow tennis players.

The match between Zverev and Lehecka was a highly anticipated one, with both players vying for a place in the quarter-finals.

Federer's presence at the match added an extra layer of excitement, as fans knew they were in the presence of a tennis legend.

The outcome of the match was far from certain, as both players gave it their all in a thrilling contest.

In the end, Fery's win over Dimitrov was a highlight of the day, with the emerging talent showing off his skills on the world stage.

Federer's reaction to the match was not captured on camera, but it's likely he was impressed by Fery's performance.

The Swiss tennis legend has always been known for his love of the game, and his presence at the match was a testament to his enduring passion for tennis.

As the match came to a close, Federer remained in the stands, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the thrill of the game.

The scene was a poignant one, as Federer sat alone in the Royal Box, surrounded by the history and tradition of Wimbledon.

The moment was a rare glimpse into the life of a tennis legend, and one that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Federer's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his presence at the match was a reminder of his enduring impact on the sport.

The match may be over, but the memory of Federer's presence at the Wimbledon Royal Box will linger on, a reminder of the magic and excitement of the game.

As the tennis world looks to the future, one thing is certain - Roger Federer's legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.

The Swiss tennis legend may have been sitting alone in the Royal Box, but his presence was felt by all, a reminder of the power and enduring appeal of the game.

And as the curtain closes on another day at Wimbledon, one thing is clear - Roger Federer's love of tennis remains unwavering, a beacon of inspiration to fans around the world.