Cliff Richard made a stunning entrance to Wimbledon on Wednesday morning, singing and dancing to his 1979 hit 'We Don't Talk Anymore' outside the All England Club. The 85-year-old music legend arrived early and full of energy, just 12 hours after staying until nearly curfew to watch Novak Djokovic defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon semi-final in history.
Record-Breaking Semi-Final and Late Night
Richard sat alone for over three hours on Tuesday night, frequently appearing on BBC coverage pumping his fist in the air as he became engrossed in the titanic battle. Djokovic's victory set a new record for the longest semi-final at Wimbledon. Despite the late night, Richard was undeterred and arrived early on Wednesday, dressed in a green-shaded blazer, sky blue shirt, and navy trousers.
Fan Frenzy and Royal Box Appearances
Britain's third best-selling artist of all time, behind the Beatles and Elvis Presley, was mobbed by fans hoping for a photograph. His arrivals have generated more interest than those of Rory McIlroy, Sir Gareth Southgate, and various actors invited into the Royal Box. Richard is a huge tennis fan and founded the Cliff Richard Tennis Foundation in 1991. He is an official member of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC).
Memorable Moments at SW19
Perhaps his most famous Wimbledon moment came in 1996 when he picked up the microphone to sing 'Summer Holiday' and 'Living Doll' from the Royal Box as rain delayed play. Richard once dated Wimbledon royalty Sue Barker, though the relationship did not last. Reflecting on his membership, Richard said last year: 'I'm a member at Wimbledon, after I'd been a member for a couple of years somebody said to me the easiest way to get in here is to win the tournament. Fortunately I got in for other reasons, because I started a charity that took tennis to young people in schools in Britain.'
