Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research

Some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment were in the Royal Box on Centre Court this afternoon to watch Amelie Mauresmo beat Mara Santangelo 6-1, 6-2, continuing the informal tradition at Wimbledon where sporting stars are invited on Middle Saturday.

Some all-time tennis greats, who watched the only game of the day on Centre Court, include nine-time ladies' singles champion Martina Navratilova, along with Todd Woodbridge and his long-time doubles partner Mark Woodforde - who together won the men's doubles at Wimbledon six times. Two former men's singles winners have also been invited, Jack Kramer (winner in 1947) and Neale Fraser (men's champion in 1960).

Notable names from British tennis, include 1977 ladies' champion Virginia Wade, the recently recently retired leftie, Greg Rusedski and British Davis Cup captain John Lloyd.

With Wimbledon hosting the tennis event at the London Olympics in 2012, Olympic medallists have had a substantial presence in the Royal Box, with Jonathan Edwards, Dame Kelly Holmes, Badminton ace Gail Emms and rowing heroes Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent all invited by to watch the day's action.

Other sporting representatives include West Indian cricket greats Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd, cyclist Victoria Pendleton, former sports minister Lord Moynihan and golfer Bernard Gallacher. Also present are football legends Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Bobby Charlton, as well as Darren Bent, who completed a £16.5m move to Tottenham this week.

Other names of note include broadcaster Des Lynam, ballet dancer Darcey Bussell, and comedians Bruce Forsyth, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and husband Lenny Henry.

Written by Beci Wood
http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/news/articles/2007-06-30/200706301183208991546.html