Here are some incredible fun facts about the tournament that’ll make watching it even more awe-inspiring!
If you’re a tennis fan, Wimbledon has a special place in your heart. If you are lucky enough to go, or even if you’re not, here are some incredible fun facts about the tournament that’ll make watching it even more awe-inspiring!
1. An Old Soul
Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis tournament, with the first championship taking place in 1877 at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. That year, only the Men’s Singles event was played. 1884 brought the Ladies’ Singles and Men’s Doubles events to the scene, and in 1913 the Ladies’ Doubles and Mixed Doubles events were added to the tournament.
2. Brits Represent
Andy Murray is the most recent British player to win the singles tournament. He defeated Novak Djokovic in the final in straight sets, 6–4, 7–5, 6–4 in 2013.
3. The Grass Is Always Greener
Wimbledon is the only grand slam played on grass. The 100% perennial ryegrass is tended to year round. During the tournament, it’s cut to a height of exactly 8mm.
4. White on White
One of Wimbledon’s main rules is that all players must dress themselves in almost all white. Even something as minor as brightly colored soles on their shoes can cause them to be asked to change. Everything must meet this dress code.
5. Centre Of Attention
Centre Court is the main court at the the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. However, the court is only used for the Wimbledon Championships to keep the grass in tip-top shape.
6. What’s A Game Without The Ball
Throughout the course of the tournament around 54,250 Slazenger tennis balls are used. Every seven to nine games, the balls are replaced to keep them in perfect shape throughout the matches. When not in use, they are stored in a refrigerated container to keep them in mint condition.
7. We Are The Champions
Both the Ladies’ and Men’s champions are awarded trophies at the end of the tournament. The women receive a silver round platter called a salver, while the men receive a golden cup. Unfortunately, neither get to keep the trophy as they are kept on display in the All England Club’s museum. They do get a small replica to take home however.
8. Tennis For Days
The longest match ever played at Wimbledon lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes, and was played by USA player John Isner and French player Nicolas Mahut in 2010. It was played over the course of three days, and Isner pulled out the win.
9. Grunting Gals
Many players grunt when they hit the ball. The loudest know grunt heard at Wimbledon was from Maria Sharapova back in 2009. It shockingly reached about 105 decibels, which is the equivalent of standing beside an accelerating motorcycle.
10. I Love You Berry Much
The strawberry is Wimbledon’s most famous food. Throughout the course of the tournament, about 61,729 pounds of strawberries are consumed, and all are picked on the day they are served.
