Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer speaking on court: "I've been lucky enough to play a lot of matches on this court. It feels awkward to be here today in a different type of role.

"It's great to be here with all the other champions. This court has given me my biggest wins and my biggest losses.

"I hope I can come back one more time.

"I've missed it here. I knew walking out here last year, it was going to be a tough year ahead. I maybe didn't think it was going to take this long to come back - the knee has been rough on me.

"It's been a good year regardless of tennis. We're happy at home. I didn't know if I should make the trip but I'm happy standing here right now."

Image source, Getty Images

Six-time men's singles champion Novak Djokovic speaking on Centre Court:

"I want to say first that it's an honour and privilege to be here with the legends of our sport and people that have paved the way for myself and many generations.

"I feel more nervous now than when I'm playing!

"This court has been truly special from my childhood and the first image of tennis I've seen when I was four or five-years-old I saw Pete Sampras wining his first Wimbledon. This is where dreams come true and I was blessed in 2011, probably the highlight of my career, to win the tournament and so when I step out on this court I relive these memories. Truly an honour."

Harry Poole
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Every time you thought the cheers couldn't get any louder as our past winners entered Centre Court, the decibel levels are raised a notch higher.

Roger Federer's arrival was met by a deafening wall of noise. Chills.

Federer says he hopes he can come back one more time!

Image source, .

Image source, .

Six-time women's singles champion Billie Jean King said on BBC One: "I played my very first match at Wimbledon as a 17-year-old. We started late so I had two days on this court. It was magical and wonderful and I knew I belonged here.

"I love history and I love the fact we have so many people here. Martina [Navratilova] could not be with us and she won nine women's singles so I'd just like to say I'm sorry she can't be here."

Seriously, those Centre Court ticket holders today are lucky people!

What a treat to see so many giants of the sport all in one place.

It's time for the Champions Parade onto Centre Court, featuring the likes of Ann Jones, Stan Smith, Pat Cash, Martina Hingis, Lleyton Hewitt, Marion Bartoli, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, Stefan Edberg, Rafael Nadal, Petra Kvitova, Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.

There's a huge roar for Andy Murray as well, all suited and booted, plus Venus Williams, Billie Jean King and Novak Djokovic.

The biggest cheer, however, is reserved for eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer.

Totpfan30: We watched a 40 year old Date Krumm take Venus to three sets on Centre Court in 2011. Special

Image source, Getty Images

Tim Henman
Former British number one on BBC TV

In 1997, Tim Henman played on middle Sunday in an epic third-round match against Paul Haarhuis:

It was terrible weather, no roof, way behind in the schedule.

It was only the second time in the history of the tounrmaent that we've played on middle Sunday.

As usual I made heavy weather of it. I won in the fifth set. In terms of the best atmosphere I've ever played in, that was it.

Nigel Bowman: Only been to Wimbledon once but Men’s final in 2007 5-set classic sitting just below BBC cameras looking down centre line to see Federer beat Nadal… almost as good as ‘08! Then Jamie.M won mixed doubles final for good measure!! BRILLIANT DAY!!

Image source, Getty Images

Moving on swiftly...

Sue Barker points out former Wimbledon presenter Des Lynam in the Royal Box, and he gets a big round of applause.

Harry Poole
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

We've got a singalong on Centre Court!

Well, a few have committed to joining Sir Cliff at least, with most supporting with a rhythmic clap.

Cracking stuff! Hopefully he's not gone and jinxed the weather there...

Image source, Getty Images

It's not the first time Sir Cliff has performed in Centre Court, however.

In 1996, during a lengthy rain delay in the days before Centre Court had a roof, he entertained the crowd with a few a cappella songs including 'Summer Holiday'.

Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver joined him as back-up singers.

Image source, Getty Images

Yes that's right, we're going on a summer holiday.

Sir Cliff Richard has been a frequent visitor to Wimbledon this year, as he is every year.

But today, he gets to take centre stage, singing a capella.

Image source, Getty Images

Thunder and lightning suddenly erupts in Centre Court. What could this mean?

It wouldn't be a British summer holiday without some rain, right...

John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC TV

It's serious goosebump-time when the players are about to go on the court. It's an amazing moment and a tense moment.

Anna Thompson
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

I'm not sure if a grand piano has graced Centre Court before but it is taking pride of place today for the Centenary celebrations.

Before the gates opened and spectators were allowed in rehearsals were taking place and I heard a certain singer belting out one of his hits too.

I won't spoil the surprise and name him though!

Image source, BBC Sport

Centre Court was opened on 26 June, 1922, by His Majesty King George V.

Clare Balding is walking us through the history of the hallowed arena.

The first television coverage of the championships was in 1937.

Image source, Getty Images

"I'm not even sure I remember playing here, it was that long ago," says three-time Wimbledon singles champion McEnroe.

"It was unbelievable, my legs were shaking when I came on the court for the first time."

Harry Poole
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

The Centre Court crowd count down with the screen as the centenary celebrations get under way at SW19.

Some goosebump-raising moments follow those numbers, captivating those lucky enough to have a ticket to the show and there's a huge round of applause following that trip down memory lane.

And here come Sue and John! Massive cheers. What an atmosphere!

A brilliant montage to Run Boy Run by Woodkid shows highlights from Centre Court from over the years to get us started, interspersed with footage of ballboys and girls, music conductors, fans, and Andy Murray crying.

John McEnroe and Sue Barker walk on court to the delight of the crowd.

What a bonus for those who secured a ticket for Centre Court today.

Image source, Getty Images