(Wimbledon) Roger Federer will be back on center court at Wimbledon on Tuesday. No, not to play: instead, he will be honored for his brilliant career on the London turf.

Federer, who retired last year, won eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles at the All England Club, more total by a tennis player than Novak Djokovic will try to match in this edition of the tournament.

Martina Navratilova is the most successful at Wimbledon, having won the tournament nine times.

“We are pleased to announce that Roger will be with us tomorrow and there will be a celebration on center court before the day kicks off,” All England Club chairman Sally Bolton said on Monday. We want to pay tribute to him as the holder of the most titles among men.

“We will hold this moment to remember his exploits and thank him for all the memories he has given us. »

She added that Serena Williams, who has won seven of her 23 major Wimbledon titles, was also invited, “but… she’s pregnant, so obviously she can’t travel.”

Williams also withdrew.

“Obviously we wish her the best of luck for the end of her pregnancy and maybe hope to see her next year. »