Strawberries and cream at the ready folks, Wimbledon is upon us.

Roger Federer will kick off proceedings on the world famous Centre-Court today as he bids to defend his 2017 win and add to his staggering tally of eight Wimbledon titles.

Sadly, the championships at SW 19 will be without one of its favourite sons in 2018, after two-time champion Andy Murray announced that he would not be competing on the eve of the first day.

Murray had shown some encouraging signs as he continues his comeback from a debilitating hip injury that has sidelined him for months, but Wimbledon, with its best of five sets format, simply came too soon for the Scot.

Murray made the announcement via an emotional statement on his Facebook page, and it’s safe to say that the vibe on Murray Mound won’t quite be the same this year.

It is undoubtedly a blow for the tournament, but Federer, who faces Dusan Lajovic in the first action on Center Court, believes that Murray ultimately made the right decision.

“I think it’s probably a wise decision. He would give everything to play here and that’s why it hurts,” Federer began.

“If you’re just not feeling it in the morning to walk out there and play best-of-five a few times in a row, what’s the point? You’re only going to have a setback and then everybody’s even more unhappy.

“I’m sad that he’s not playing Wimbledon. It’s a big loss. He’s one of the big guys here.

“It’s not the end of the world and we all hope he’s going to come back stronger and win some epic battles on centre court again.”

Roger Federer, always the gent.

Now, without Murray to throw their weight behind, Federer can expect an even greater level of support from the Wimbledon masses as the 20-time Grand Slam winner takes to the courts at the spiritual home of the game.

What a fortnight it promises to be.