The ethereal Roger Federer photo hinting at heartbreaking reality

Roger Federer has captivated the world with his graceful class and mythical tennis talent since 1998 and a photo of fans clamouring to see him farewell Wimbledon for possibly the last time personifies his aura.

The 20-time Grand Slam title winner lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 Hubert Hurkacz in a match that marked the first time ever that Federer suffered a bagel at the All England Club.

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Fans are fully aware Father Time waits for no one and at 39 years old, Federer may not grace the hallowed grass of Wimbledon as a player again.

The British public were fully aware of the gravity of the moment in front of them as they offered a standing ovation for Federer as he departed Centre Court.

Chants of "one more year," echoed around the stadium.

His opponent Hurkacz stood at the net and farewelled a legend and an idol from view.

But the moment also wasn't lost for the thousands of fans inside the grounds of Wimbledon.

Leading New York Times reporter Ben Rothenberg captured a unique moment outside Centre Court following Federer's loss.

Fans flocked to the bridge and gathered to catch one last glimpse of Federer as he departed Wimbledon.

Another fan also filmed Federer walking across the bridge as the 20-time Grand Slam champ waved and thanked his adoring supporters.

This could signal the last time Federer makes the walk across the bridge as a competitor and fans weren't going to miss the iconic moment of one of the most widely adored sports stars of any generation.

The moment wasn't lost on Federer who went on to claim he wasn't sure whether he would return to London at the age of 40.

Roger Federer unsure over Wimbledon farewell

It was only the eight-time Wimbledon champion's 14th defeat at the tournament in 119 matches and his first straight-sets loss since an opening round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002.

Federer's 2020 and the start of 2021 was a nightmare as the 20-time Grand Slam champ attempted to recover from a re-occuring knee injury that sidelines him for more than a year.

After withdrawing from Roland Garros in an attempt to push for a 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, Federer admitted the campaign has left him 'exhausted'.

"I feel horribly exhausted, I could go for a nap right now,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“I feel I will be upbeat again shortly... I think I need to speak to the team, hear what they have to say, get it all out and then we go from there.

"I don't know, I really don't know. I've got to regroup."

When pressed about retirement, Federer was hesitant over any big calls too soon.

"Of course, I'd like to play it again but at my age you never know what's around the corner."

"I gotta take my time, take the right decision, the one decision I want to take where I feel most comfortable," Federer added.

"But, no, I hope that that's not going to happen. The goal is to play, of course."

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