WIMBLEDON: Roger Federer, an eight-time Wimbledon champion has not given up hope of playing at the All England Club once again.
At the Center Court's centenary celebration, Federer had received a standing ovation.
"I hope I can come back ... one more time," the 40-year-old Federer said from Centre Court, standing alongside other Wimbledon champions, according to AP.
For the first time since his debut in 1999, he will not be participating in the grass-court tournament.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion was not playing in his 22nd appearance at the tournament since losing in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon a year ago.
He said that he did not anticipate such a long gap to come back after his knee surgery last year. He said: "The knee has been rough on me."