Wimbledon: Roger Federer and former champions celebrate 100 years of Centre Court

Wimbledon: Roger Federer and former champions celebrate 100 years of Centre Court
_125738667_rogerfedererandjohnmcenroe.jpgRoger Federer, pictured with John McEnroe, was given a rapturous reception when he walked out on Centre Court. This year is the first time he has not played at Wimbledon since 1997Venue: All England Club Dates: 27 June-10 JulyCoverage: Live across BBC TV, radio and online with extensive coverage on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs and mobile app.

Wimbledon marked 100 years of its Centre Court on Sunday with a musical celebration and a parade of former champions.

Eight-time men's champion Roger Federer, who is not playing this year because of a knee injury, was among those present to pay tribute to the famous arena.

"It is great to be here with all the other champions," 40-year-old Federer said. "I've been lucky enough to play a lot of matches on this court.

"It has given me my biggest wins and my biggest losses, and I hope I can come back here one more time."

Wimbledon stalwart Sir Cliff Richard and British singer Freya Ridings performed to the crowd, on the first scheduled middle Sunday of the tournament, and there were guest appearances from a host of famous faces.

Also present for the milestone were Covid-19 heroes in the NHS and social care, along with refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria who have settled in Merton and Wandsworth.

The Championships moved to its present site on Church Road in 1922, the same year Centre Court was opened.

Built in just nine months, it is now the sixth-largest tennis-specific stadium in the world, with a capacity of 14,979.

_125738537_johnmcenroeandsuebarker.jpgSunday's special ceremony was hosted by BBC broadcasters Sue Barker, John McEnroe and Clare Balding. McEnroe paid tribute to Barker, who is stepping down from her presenter duties after this year's tournament_125738541_sircliffrichard.jpgSir Cliff Richard serenaded Centre Court with an A capella version of Summer Holiday_125738604_deslynam.jpgFormer BBC presenter Des Lynam was among the famous faces to attend_125738673_venuswilliams-landbilliejeanking-r.jpgVenus Williams and Billie Jean King were among the many former champions present - they have 11 Wimbledon singles titles between them_125738816_novakdjokovicandrogerfederer.jpgThe tennis legends just kept on coming. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer boast a total of 14 Wimbledon singles titles_125738819_freyaridings.jpgBritish singer Freya Ridings brought the ceremony to a close_112244213_soundsheaderv1-nc.png_112244214_soundsfooter-nc.png

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