Tennis faithful make racket for Sir David

THE Centre Court crowd staged a standing ovation for Sir David Attenborough as he took his place in the Royal Box yesterday.

- Liz Perkins

The broadcasting legend, 98, was at SW19 with his daughter Susan, and it was also a family affair for former footballer David Beckham, 49, who was joined in the front row by his mum Sandra, 75.

Scores of other stars including music legend Sir Cliff Richard, veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald, Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson and This Morning host Alison Hammond headed to Wimbledon to watch defending men's champion Carlos Alcaraz and British No3 Emma Raducanu in action. Both triumphed.

Also spotted in SW19 was singer and actress Myleene Klass, who was photographed in front of a wall of flowers with TV presenters Steph McGovern and Lorraine Kelly.

Singer Pixie Lott was snapped at the event too, and actress Lucy Boynton was spotted pulling faces in the stands.

'Murray mania' had kicked off in earnest too, with supporters lining up to see Sir Andy Murray say a fond farewell at his final Championships.

Dedicated fans of the Scottish star have been camping out all weekend and have their fingers crossed that the two-time champion will decide he is fit enough to play today.

Emotional

He had back surgery on June 22 after retiring from his second-round match at Queen's a few days earlier.