By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, July 3, 2023
Roger Federer gave us so many memorable Centre Court Sunday memories.
Eight-time Wimbledon winner Federer will return for a Centre Court curtain call tomorrow.
Wimbledon Preview
Wimbledon will honor 41-year-old Swiss superstar Federer's achievements with a special Centre Court ceremony before the start of play on Tuesday.
The Federer ceremony will precede defending champion Elena Rybakina facing American Shelby Rogers on Centre Court.
It's Wimbledon's way of saying thank you and farewell to Federer's phenomenal legacy.
The All England Club set the ceremony to "honor [Federer] as the man holding the most gentlemen's singles titles here" Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton said. "We'll have a moment just to celebrate his achievements and to say thank you for all the memories."
Former world No. 1 Federer returned to action at Wimbledon last month where he met his match against Princess Kate who ripped a forehand pass by the Swiss Maestro.
A year ago, Federer was showered with an appreciative ovation from fans when he joined fellow legends celebrating Centre Court's 100th anniversary.
Federer created a mic-drop moment last July telling fans that he hoped to make it back as a player next year.
“It feels awkward to be here today in a different type of role, but it’s great to be here, like Novak said, with all the other champions," Federer said. "This court has given me my biggest wins and my biggest losses.”
The Federer announced his arrival as a future Wimbledon champion toppling Wimbledon king Pete Sampras in 2001 before taking down big-serving Mark Philippoussis for his first Grand Slam crown in 2003.
The Swiss stylist summed up his approach to Wimbledon simply: Bring his best and compete with class.
“Just tried to be successful here and to represent the sport well,” Federer said in his 2022 Centre court return. “I hope I did that, and I hope I can come back, one more time.”
Ahead of his Centre Court return on Tuesday, Federer rocked the house with Coldplay.
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport