Written by Selina
Modified & Updated: 23 Sep 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, is a grand slam event that has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877. It is a tournament steeped in tradition and history and is widely regarded as the most prestigious event in the sport of tennis. Here are 30 fascinating facts about Wimbledon.
The Oldest Tennis Tournament in the World
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It was first held in 1877, making it over 140 years old.
Played on Grass Courts
Wimbledon is the only major tennis tournament that is still played on grass courts. This is a nod to the traditional roots of the game, as tennis was originally played on grass.
Strict Dress Code
Wimbledon has a strict all-white dress code for competitors. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when it was considered improper to show sweat stains on colored clothing.
The Trophy
The men’s singles champion receives a silver gilt cup, which was first presented in 1887. The women’s singles champion receives a silver salver, known as the “Venus Rosewater Dish”, which was first presented in 1886.
No Play on Middle Sunday
Traditionally, there is no play on the middle Sunday of the tournament. This is to allow the grass courts to rest and be prepared for the second week of play. However, this tradition has been broken on four occasions due to rain delays.
Royal Patronage
Wimbledon has a long history of royal patronage. The tournament is often attended by members of the British royal family, and the Royal Box on Centre Court is reserved for royals and distinguished guests.
Strawberries and Cream
One of the enduring traditions of Wimbledon is the serving of strawberries and cream to spectators. This tradition dates back to the Victorian era when strawberries were a luxury item.
The Queue
Wimbledon is one of the few major sporting events where you can still buy premium tickets on the day of play. Spectators can queue for tickets on the day of play, a tradition known as “The Queue”.
The Rain
Rain delays are a common occurrence at Wimbledon due to the unpredictable British summer weather. In 2009, a retractable roof was installed over Centre Court to mitigate the impact of rain delays.
The Ball Boys and Girls
The ball boys and girls, known as “BBGs”, play an essential role in the smooth running of the tournament. They are selected from local schools and undergo rigorous training in the lead-up to the tournament.
The Prize Money
The total prize money for Wimbledon 2023 was £44,700,000. The men’s and women’s singles champions each received £2,350,000.
The Longest Match
The longest match in Wimbledon history took place in 2010 when John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a match that lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes over the course of three days.
The Fastest Serve
The fastest serve in Wimbledon history was delivered by Taylor Dent in 2010, with a speed of 148 mph.
The Youngest Winner
The youngest winner of the Wimbledon singles title is Martina Hingis, who won the women’s singles title in 1997 at the age of 16.
The Oldest Winner
The oldest winner of the Wimbledon singles title is Roger Federer, who won the men’s singles title in 2012 at the age of 36## 16. The Most Titles
The record for the most Wimbledon singles titles is held by Martina Navratilova, who won the women’s singles title nine times.
The Hawk-Eye System
Wimbledon was the first Grand Slam tournament to use the Hawk-Eye system, which uses high-speed cameras to track the trajectory of the ball for line calls.
The Wimbledon Museum
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, located at the All England Club, is the largest tennis museum in the world. It features a collection of memorabilia dating back to 1555.
The Wimbledon Foundation
The Wimbledon Foundation is the charitable arm of the All England Club and The Championships. It uses the heritage and resources of Wimbledon to help change people’s lives, both in the local community and on a national and international level.
The Wimbledon Logo
The Wimbledon logo, which features a stylized representation of the Centre Court, was introduced in 2009. The logo is a symbol of the tournament’s commitment to tradition and innovation.
The Wimbledon Broadcast
Wimbledon is broadcast to over 200 countries around the world, with an estimated global audience of 1 billion.
The Towels
The Wimbledon towels, which are used by the players during matches, have become a popular souvenir item. They are produced by Christy, a British company that has been the official towel supplier since 1988.
The Wimbledon Ball
The official Wimbledon tennis ball is made by Slazenger, a British sporting goods manufacturer. Slazenger has been the official supplier of tennis balls to The Championships since 1902.
The Wimbledon Outfits
The Wimbledon outfits worn by the players are designed by Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter of The Championships.
The Umpires
The umpires at Wimbledon are dressed in navy blue and cream uniforms. The umpires’ chairs on the show courts are equipped with microphones and headphones for communication with the referee’s office.
The Wimbledon Queue
The Wimbledon Queue is a tradition that dates back to the 1920s. Every year, thousands of fans camp out overnight in Wimbledon Park to secure tickets for the following day’s play.
The Wimbledon Roar
The Wimbledon Roar is a term used to describe the loud cheer that erupts from the crowd when a British player scores a point.
The Champions’ Dinner
The Wimbledon Champions’ Dinner is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. The men’s and women’s singles champions are presented with their trophies at the dinner, which is held at the Guildhall in London.
The Scoreboards
The Wimbledon scoreboards are manually operated by a team of scorers. The scoreboards on the show courts are equipped with electronic displays that show the players’ names and the score.
The Wimbledon Anthem
The Wimbledon Anthem, “In Pursuit of Greatness”, was composed by British musician and composer Alistair Griffin. The anthem is played at the start of each day’s play.
Conclusion
Wimbledon is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a celebration of tradition, sportsmanship, and excellence. From its grass courts and all-white dress code to its strawberries and cream and royal patronage, Wimbledon is a unique event that captivates the world every summer. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or just enjoy the spectacle and tradition, there’s no denying the allure of Wimbledon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the first Wimbledon tournament held?
The first Wimbledon tournament was held in 1877.
What is the dress code at Wimbledon?
Wimbledon has a strict all-white dress code for competitors.
What is the traditional food served at Wimbledon?
The traditional food served at Wimbledon is strawberries and cream.
Who holds the record for the most Wimbledon singles titles?
Martina Navratilova holds the record for the most Wimbledon singles titles, with nine wins.
What is the longest match in Wimbledon history?
The longest match in Wimbledon history took place in 2010 when John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a match that lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes over the course of three days.
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