Roger Federer receives a standing ovation from Centre Court crowd as eight-time Wimbledon champion – sat alongside the Princess of Wales – returns to SW19 for first time since retiring

• Roger Federer made his first return to Wimbledon since retiring from tennis
• The crowd gave the Swiss icon a standing ovation after a montage of his career
• He was sat alongside his wife Mirka and the Princess of Wales in the Royal Box 
• Latest Wimbledon 2023 news, including schedule, travel updates and results

Centre Court hosted the likes of the Princess of Wales, former Prime Minister David Cameron and other A-List celebrities – but only one person drew the type of euphoric fanfare we saw here: Roger Federer.

The tennis royalty and his wife Mirka jetted in from Zurich after he performed on stage at a Coldplay gig on Sunday, and then joined a sky full of stars at SW19 including the likes of Kate Middleton in the royal box.

It formed part of a special celebratory moment – which was only visible on BBC iPlayer, rather than its main TV coverage – as the All England Club marked his unmatched eight gentlemen’s singles titles at Wimbledon.

Sporting a plush beige suit and sunglasses, Federer looked as suave as ever as he entered his sport’s grandest arena for the first time since officially announcing his retirement last autumn.

It comes 12 months on from a special ceremony to mark 100 years of Centre Court, with Federer drawing the most visceral cheer from a field of more than 20 previous winners who lined up on the hallowed green grass.

Roger Federer (right) waved to the crowd as he was given a standing ovation by Centre Court

Princess of Wales (left) was alongside the Swiss tennis legend in the Royal Box on Tuesday

Federer shared a kiss wiht his wife Mirka on what was his first return to SW19 since retiring

He took his seat alongside the Princess of Wales as a stadium announcer said: ‘Roger, thank you for the memories.’

Those lucky enough to have tickets were treated to a video montage of the eight-time champion, showing him through the years from his first title win here in 2003 to his last in 2017. 

His last match at SW19 remains the straight-sets defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in 2021.

‘The young gun has the pedigree to go all the way here,’ began a commentary line from 2003 in the video.

Federer took his seat to watch last year’s women’s champion Elena Rybakina open her title defence against United States player Shelby Rogers.

The Switzerland star was expected to stay in situ for Andy Murray’s match with Essex-born compatriot Ryan Peniston, which received top billing on a day largely affected by rain in SW19.

Belarusian world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, plays in the final scheduled clash of the day on Centre Court, though other matches could be moved here due to the bad weather wrecking play elsewhere.

Federer’s parents Robert and Lynette were also present to see their son welcomed back

Federer cut a very suave figure in his beige suit as he donned sunglasses despite drizzly rain

Federer (pictured in 2006) is an eight-time Wimbledon winner and one of the all-time greats

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