Wimbledon is a tournament apart. It is delightfully anachronistic in that it is played on pristine grass courts, a throwback to the era when the sport was still called 'lawn tennis'. Star players, who otherwise resemble walking billboards, are required to be reticent and don spotless white attire, resonating with the tournament's strict policy of keeping the site relatively free of commercial sponsorships. Until 2021, the tournament even had a 'Middle Sunday' holiday, an out-of-place idea in the era of mega television deals and ambush marketing. And such is the event's magnetic pull that even the biggest crisis to hit tennis in recent times Wimbledon barring Russian and Belarusian players against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and the ATP and WTA retaliating by removing ranking points did not turn into a smoky inferno. Rafael Nadal, who three weeks ago won his 14th French Open and a record extending 22nd Grand Slam title literally on one leg, is set to feature after undergoing radiofrequency treatment. Seven-time singles champion Serena Williams has come out of a year long semi retirement. Roger Federer's grasscourt majesty will be missed for the first time since 1998 but such is sport's uncanny knack to replenish itself that there will be enough verdant pomp and splendour as the iconic Centre Court celebrates its centenary year