Agassi will become one of the first players to see the Centre Court’s retractable roof close over his head on Sunday, before teaming with
wife Steffi Graf in a mixed doubles match against Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters for a televised inauguration of the new structure. The roof, which is meant to prevent the long rain delays that often plague the Grand Slam tournament, means that some matches at this year’s tournament will essentially be played indoors for the first time. The move to modernize is a welcome sight for Agassi, who boycotted the traditionalist event for three years after his debut in 1987, when he was a brash teenager known for his long hair and colorful outfits. He returned in 1991 — wearing traditional all-white clothes — and won his first Grand Slam title here the next year.
“Sometimes it’s hard to fully accept change in some respects,” Agassi said at a news conference Saturday. “It’s an exciting change, it’s an asset for fans and for players. I’m anxious to get out there and experience it myself.”