By Erik Gudris

(June 30, 2013) -- On the middle Sunday of Wimbledon, the WTA celebrated its 40th anniversary with a gathering of many of its legendary players at the All-England Club.

Though current No. 1 Serena Williams is still in contention for this year's title, she did appear at the star-filled event that featured several surprise appearances by some players that have not been seen in public for some time.

One of those was Russia's Dinara Safina. The former No. 1 last competed at the 2011 Australian Open before an ongoing back injury forced her out of competition.

Also appearing on the pink carpet were Hall of Famers Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Jennifer Capriati, Martina Hingis and Monica Seles. Many greats from the 1970s and 1980s, including Billie Jean King, were also on hand to take part in an historic photo op.

Current players and former No. 1s Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki also appeared.

The event was a highlight of the WTA's year-long "40 Love" campaign that celebrates the tour's many milestones in sport since its inception in 1973.

For more photos of today's event, click here.

(Photo Credit: WTA)