Wimbledon celebrates 100 years of Centre Court

The event will look back on epic matches and classic moments, with past Wimbledon champions involved.

Wimbledon is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of its iconic Centre Court, described as a “white elephant” when it opened, as it launches a new tradition of playing on the middle Sunday of the tournament.

The event will look back on epic matches and classic moments, with past Wimbledon champions involved.

Wimbledon communications and marketing director Alexandra Willis said a descendant of Leslie Godfrey, who hit the first ball on Centre Court, would be in the royal box.

The court, which hosts the men’s and women’s finals each year, was not universally welcomed when it was opened in 1922.

“It was described as this white elephant,” Willis said on Friday. “How on earth would the club ever fill it? 

“How would tennis ever be so popular so that you would welcome so many people?

“And obviously here we are 100 years later and this wonderful stadium is 100 years old. It’s become one of the most iconic landmarks is all of sport.”