Wimbledon spectators on Monday paid tribute to Sarah Gilbert, the Oxford University professor who co-designed the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
She was given a standing ovation on Centre Court before play began in the annual tennis tournament.
The crowd also applauded the efforts of organisations that have contributed to Britain's fight against COVID-19. But the loudest cheers were reserved for Gilbert as well as the staff of the National Health Service (NHS).
Very moving and extremely well deserved!
— Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) June 28, 2021
The very effective vaccines we have are how we get back to normal.
Well done Dame Sarah & your entire team 👏👏👏 https://t.co/7iJyl6T4Ar
Gilbert, who was seated in the royal box, was awarded a damehood in the Queen's birthday honours earlier this month.
The Grand Slam event also plans to invite other individuals who have played a big part in combating the coronavirus to watch the action at this year's Championships seated in the royal box.
Also in the royal box was Hannah Ingram-Moore, the daughter of late Captain Tom Moore, who struck a chord with locked-down Britain by walking around his garden with the help of a frame to raise millions of pounds for NHS workers.


United States' Tharp breaks 110m hurdles world record
Knicks cap greatest-ever Finals comeback with OG Anunoby's tip-in
FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices on eve of World Cup
Dubai Basketball fall in Game 3 of ABA League finals
Haiti alter World Cup shirts after FIFA objects to design
