Before a shot was struck at Wimbledon, a major blow landed in Britain.
Voters approved the Brexit—Britain's exit from the European Union—sending reverberations around the world.
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British Prime Minister David Cameron, who led the charge to remain with the EU, announced his intention to resign his post, the British pound plummeted 11 percent and both Scotland and Ireland voted to remain with the EU creating the potential for a fractured United Kingdom.
Asked his reaction to the Brexit at Wimbledon today, Roger Federer said he envisions "years of negotiations" as Britain fully completes its break from the EU.
"Of course, I followed it. It's an historic day," Federer told the media at Wimbledon. "I don't even want to think about the negotiations that go into it now. For you guys, it's going to be years of negotiations. It's definitely interesting times ahead.
"It's nice to have democracy here, that you have an opportunity to vote. It's a beautiful thing. Many people went out and did that. They took a decision. Now you have to make necessary steps. For Switzerland, I don't know how much impact that's going to have. I would assume Brussels has a lot of work to do right now. Us Swiss guys, we going to follow it. We also have had our ups and downs, being in the EU or not, you know. Time will tell."
World No. 2 Andy Murray said he followed the referendum "very closely", but declined to discuss the Brexit today.
"I'm not discussing that today. I have followed it very closely," Murray said at Wimbledon. "Yeah, stayed up pretty late on whatever night it was, last night into the morning. But, yeah, I'm not discussing that today, unfortunately."
The Dunblane, Scotland native now lives in London. Scotland voted to remain in the European Union.
Players voiced reaction on social media.
Before the historic referendum, Andrea Petkovic sent a heartfelt musical message to Britain.
Wimbledon champion and resident Boris Becker took a clear stand.
Photo credit: Christopher Levy