Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova are among a host of top tennis stars who have snubbed the Athletes’ Village in a bid to avoid the travel headaches that have plagued the build-up to the Olympics.

While the majority of their compatriots competing at the Games will be staying at the village at the Olympic site in Stratford, east London, Federer, Sharapova and many of their peers will be on the other side of the capital in plush rented accommodation within walking distance of Wimbledon, which is staging the nine-day tennis event.