The tennis world was recently rocked to its core with the release of Roger Federer's highly anticipated documentary, "Federer: 12 Final Days."
In the film, the Swiss Maestro offers an unprecedented glimpse into his storied career and personal life. However, the most shocking revelations come when Federer makes a series of surprising allegations about Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland.
The documentary opens with Federer reflecting on his decision to retire from professional tennis after the 2022 Laver Cup. "It was one of the hardest choices of my life," he admits. "I had achieved everything I ever dreamed of in the sport, but I still felt there was more I wanted to accomplish. In the end, I realized my body and mind were telling me it was time." Federer then guides viewers through his final weeks on the ATP Tour, providing an intimate behind-the-scenes look at his preparation, matches, and interactions with fans. It's a bittersweet journey as the 20-time Grand Slam champion comes to terms with his impending retirement.
However, the film takes a dark turn when Federer discusses his relationship with Meghan Markle and her family. The Swiss legend reveals that he has known the Duchess of Sussex for many years, as their paths frequently crossed on the tennis circuit. "Meghan and I were actually quite close at one point," Federer says. "We would often chat and hit balls together at tournaments. I considered her a friend." But Federer claims that his friendship with Markle soured after he was introduced to her mother, Doria Ragland.
"From the moment I met Doria, I felt there was something off about her," he says. "She always seemed to be keeping secrets, and there was a coldness to her that I couldn't quite put my finger on." Federer goes on to allege that Ragland used her daughter's relationship with Prince Harry to further her own agenda. "Doria was very calculated in the way she handled Meghan's rise to fame," he states. "She seemed to be orchestrating everything behind the scenes, manipulating the media narrative to serve her own interests."
The 41-year-old claims that Ragland's behavior became increasingly erratic and unhinged as Meghan's profile skyrocketed. "There were times when Doria would call me drunk and rambling, making wild accusations about the royal family and the establishment that was trying to bring Meghan down," Federer recalls. Most disturbingly, Federer alleges that Ragland has a criminal record that she has managed to keep hidden from the public eye. "I stumbled upon some information that suggests Doria has a history of violent outbursts and run-ins with the law," he says. "She is clearly a troubled individual, and I believe she's been a very negative influence on Meghan."
Federer's revelations have sent shockwaves through the royal community and the media landscape. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the allegations, while Meghan Markle's representatives have dismissed them as completely false and defamatory. However, some royal experts believe there may be truth to Federer's claims. "Roger Federer is not the type of person to make these kinds of accusations lightly," says royal commentator Dickie Arbiter. "He clearly feels very strongly about what he's witnessed, and I think we have to take his words seriously."
Others have pointed to the timing of the documentary's release, which coincides with the publication of Meghan's memoir. "It's no secret that there's been tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family," notes journalist Victoria Murphy. "This could be Federer's way of getting back at Meghan for something or trying to overshadow her book release."
Regardless of the motivations behind it, the documentary has undoubtedly left a lasting impact. Federer's revelations have cast a dark cloud over Meghan Markle's relationship with her mother and raised serious questions about Doria Ragland's past and her influence on her daughter's life. In the film's closing moments, the tennis legend states, "I know these allegations are going to be controversial and divisive, but I believe the truth needs to be told, no matter how uncomfortable it may be." Only time will tell how this saga will play out, but one thing is certain: Roger Federer's "Federer: 12 Final Days" has left an indelible mark on both the tennis world and the broader public.
