Watch: Roger Federer denied entry into the locker rooms [video]

It became apparent that not even 20 Grand Slam titles give you an all-access pass inside the Rod Laver Arena when Roger Federer was denied entry into the locker rooms on Saturday morning.

The Swiss maestro was preparing for his Australian Open round of 16 clash against Greek rising star Stefanos Tsitsipashttps://www.thesouthafrican.com/wimbeldon-2018-play-of-the-day-stefanos-tsitsipas/ on Saturday.

He, however, almost did not make it to the court after showing up without a tag, and the steward by the changerooms refused to let him in, until a member of his entourage showed up with his accreditation.

Watch: Roger Federer denied entry into the locker rooms in the video below

?? this is gold pic.twitter.com/OAVnwl8z4T— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 19, 2019

Australian Open 2018: Federer searches for 21st Grand Slam

The world number three kicked off his campaign in the Australian Open with a straight-set win over Great Britain’s Dan Evans, before easing past Taylor Fritz of the United States of America.

He now faces his toughest test yet in the 20-year-old Tsitsipas who – unlike his much more seasoned opponent – had to battle on his way to the last 16.

The youngster overcame a tough challenge posed by Serb, Viktor Troicki in the first round, and faced another scare against Nikoloz Basilashvili in his last outing.

“I think he had to work extremely hard against Basilashvili,” Federer said of his opponent.

“I’m happy for him. He’s playing so well, and I’m looking forward to the match with him. I think it’s going to be a good one.”

Unlike the previous rounds, which were played over three sets, the last 16 clash is a five-setter, which could test both players’ endurance in the year’s first Grand Slam.