Roger Federer is celebrated at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England –

Roger Federer returns to Wimbledon Center Court on Tuesday. No, not to participate: he is being honored for his record-breaking Grand Slam tournament career on grass.

Federer, who announced his retirement last year, won eight of his 20 Grand Slam championships at the All England Club, the most ever by a man – a figure Novak Djokovic will aim to match this year.

Martina Navratilova set the overall standard by claiming nine women’s singles titles at Wimbledon.

“Happy to say Roger will be with us tomorrow, and we will have a special celebration on Center Court before the game starts, just to honor him as the man with the most Gentleman’s Singles titles here at Wimbledon,” said All England Club President Sally. Bolton said Monday, the first day of action at the two-week event.

“We have a moment to celebrate his achievements and to thank him, I think, for us, especially for all the memories,” said Bolton.

She said Serena Williams, who won seven of her 23 major singles trophies at Wimbledon, was also invited, “but … she’s pregnant so understandably couldn’t travel.”

Williams also retired after last season.

“(We) obviously wish her the best of luck with the rest of her pregnancy and we hope to see her maybe next year,” Bolton said.

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