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Eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer received the applause of a cheering Center Court audience. In a special ceremony of day two to honor his accomplishments at the tournament. A standing ovation greeted the 20-time Grand Slam champion as he left the Royal Box, where he had been invited as a special guest to observe Tuesday’s play.
Together with the Princess of Wales, who serves as the All England Tennis Club’s patron, Federer was accompanied by his wife and family. The 41-year-old Swiss, who won five straight Wimbledon championships between 2003 and 2007, added triumphs in 2009, 2012, and 2017, is making his first appearance at the stadium since quitting last year. He surpassed Pete Sampras’ record of seven titles for men with his final victory.
A video montage of Federer’s career, from his first Wimbledon championship win in 2003 through his last in 2017, was shown to those with tickets for Centre Court.
The crowd roared and praised Federer as he was presented with a guard of honor inside the Royal Box. Federer was one of the best players of all time.
With 103 ATP titles to his name and having spent 310 weeks as world number one, Federer is much-loved by the British crowds and the standing ovation lasted several minutes. The approximately 15,000 eager spectators may have been upset that Federer remained silent because play began just after the speaker congratulated Federer for the fond memories he has given Wimbledon supporters over the years.
In a ceremony commemorating Centre Court’s 100 years, Federer was one of numerous former champions honored during the previous year’s competition.
Federer then sat down next to the Princess of Wales to watch the matches on Centre Court, starting with Elena Rybakina’s title defense against Shelby Rogers of America.