Andre AgaSsi and Steffi Graf, the golden couple of tennis, will take on Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters as they become the first to play under the new Centre Court roof at Wimbledon.

The mixed doubles match will be the highlight of the event on 17 May which is being staged to test the retractable roof in front of a capacity 15,000 crowd.

The retired quartet will also feature in men's and ladies' singles matches, all played to the pro-set format - the first to eight games, with a tie-break at 8-8.

Graf and Agassi, who have two children following their marriage in 2001, are looking forward to the occasion.

Agassi, who won the title in 1992, said: "I have great memories of Wimbledon and to be among the first to play under the new roof is really exciting." 

Graf, a seven-time champion at SW19, said: "There is no tennis venue more special to me than Centre Court at Wimbledon."

Henman carried the hopes of a partisan home crowd for more than a decade and is delighted to be returning on more relaxed terms.

"It will be a really fun day for everyone and the new roof is going to make it a fascinating experience," said the former British No1.

Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the All England Club, said: "We set out to make Wimbledon the world's premier tennis event.

"The new roof and air management system is another important part of the Championships' progression and will guarantee the play that today's audiences expect."

Tickets, priced £35, can be bought from 10am on 12 March from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and by telephoning 0844 847 2481.

No tickets will be sold at the turnstiles on the day.