Federer returns to Wimbledon for the 100th anniversary of the Central

The tennis temple is 100 years old and to celebrate this great achievement the All England Club could not miss the eight-time champion Roger Federer. Social in tilt for the Swiss, greeted by the roar of the public present during the parade of former Major champions, and as always very elegant with a dark suit, tie and white sneakers to never fail to respect the grass of the “garden of home”.

The king’s speech

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“I have been lucky enough to play so many games on this field,” Roger said into the microphone of the other legend John McEnroe, field special correspondent. “It’s strange to be here today in a different role. Seeing so many champions gathered where I have experienced my greatest victories, but also my greatest defeats, is exciting. I hope to have represented this sport well and to return to this field soon ”. The current one, in fact, is the first edition in 23 years without Federer among the protagonists of the men’s tournament. It is therefore appropriate to say that Roger missed Wimbledon, but also that Wimbledon missed him: “I knew, leaving the field last year, that it was going to be a difficult year. The knee made me suffer but despite the tennis I was fine with my family and my children. I didn’t know how it would feel to take this trip but now I’m glad to be here. Among the best memories I have at Wimbledon are the match with Sampras in 2001 and the first victory in 2003 against Philippoussis. “

Parade of stars

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Together with the Swiss, who should return to the Laver Cup in September, many icons from different periods of sport who walked the green of the Centrale during the celebrations. Among the most illustrious names: Margaret Court (which holds the highest number of Slams ever won), Rod Laver (the only one to have achieved the Grand Slam twice in different eras), Bjorn Borg, Billie Jean King, Stan Smith, Pat Cash , Goran Ivanisevic, Lleyton Hewitt, Marion Bartoli, Stefan Edberg, Andy Murray and the two phenomena still in the race Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal. Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff, on the other hand, the great absentees, to whom, however, thoughts and words of great esteem were addressed by their colleagues.

Nole excited

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Event favorite Novak Djokovic, who at the All England Club is intent on defending the last title at the All England Club, will be on the pitch today for his round of 16 match: “It is a huge privilege to share this field with legends of this sport who have inspired entire generations ”, the great emotion of the Serbian during the ceremony. “Right now I feel more nervous than when I have to play. This camp was special in my childhood. The first tennis image I remember is that of Sampras winning Wimbledon… then in 2011 my dream became reality! Every time I enter this wonderful field, happy memories resurface ”.