( CNN ) -- Wimbledon have confirmed plans to hold an exhibition event on Centre Court to test conditions under the new roof ahead of next year 's tennis championships . Wimbledon first unveiled plans for a retractable roof over Centre Court in 2004 with capacity increased to 15,000 . The special one-off event has been scheduled for Sunday , May 17 , just over a month ahead of next year 's Championships where Rafael Nadal defends the title for the first time . Former British number one Tim Henman , four times a semifinalist at the grass-court grand slam and a member of the All England Club , has been lined up to play . The club 's chief executive , Ian Ritchie , explained the need for a pre-tournament event : . `` The key thing for the new roof is the atmospherics and humidity conditions , `` he told BBC Radio Four on Tuesday . `` We need to get 15,000 people inside to test the humidity . It 's a roof over a grass court and it 's not like a football or rugby pitch , we need it to be absolutely bone dry . `` We have to test the air conditioning and playing surface as well . '' Former champion John McEnroe is also being lined up to make a sentimental return to Centre Court . `` We are looking to put together a good raft of people to come and play . `` We will probably put several matches on as we want to put on a day of entertainment and enjoyment to try to get a maximum crowd to come and see it , '' said Ritchie . Wimbledon first announced plans for a retractable roof over Centre Court in 2004 , with the redevelopment increasing the capacity to 15,000 . It will mean an end , on Centre Court at least , to the famous Wimbledon rain delays , which have frustrated spectators and players alike over the years , arguably costing Henman his best chance of Wimbledon glory in 2001 when he lost a protracted semifinal to eventual winner Goran Ivanisevic .
Wimbledon to test new roof over Centre Court with special event in May . Former British number one and current world No 1 Andy Murray will play at the tournament for the first time since his knee injury last year. New roof will house increased 15,000 capacity on most famous court in tennis .