‘The Championships’ which is more commonly known by the name of its location, Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and regarded by most as being the most prestigious. Four major tennis tournaments take place: the US Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open, but one of the things that makes Wimbledon so unique is that it is the only one still played on a grass court. The tournament takes place each year and has done so since 1877. Nothing marks the height of British summer time like the tennis tournament which sees the famous, the rich, and the royals all descend on the usually quiet area of South West London.
Wimbledon is as synonymous with strawberries and cream, glasses of Pimms, and high stakes fashion as it is with the tennis game itself which attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy the tournament and this year will be no different. Wimbledon is steeped in tradition from the Royal Box, to the crisp white tennis attire, but the quintessentially British experience cannot distract from the high stakes drama that comes from the world’s best players when they take to the courts.
Whether you are a seasoned tennis expert, an avid player yourself, or simply a spectator, our guide will take you through some of the things you can expect from one of the world’s greatest games as it celebrates its 137th year.
Tickets
The tournament will commence on Monday 1st of July and will last two weeks with the final taking place on Sunday 14th. There are multiple ways of getting tickets, the most popular being the ballot. Members of the public can enter their names and two lucky people will be picked at random and will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the final centre court. The odds aren’t stacked in your favour for this option but thankfully there are other options.
A more traditional route involves purchasing tickets online. This can be done directly through the club or through a hospitality package which comes with the benefits of refreshments and with a guarantee of having the best seats available, on the court, in the heart of the action. There is no better way to experience the matches and the often nail-biting, but always glorious atmosphere.
There is also the famous Wimbledon queue where members of the public join in a very British fashion to try and secure tickets on a first come first serve basis and some tennis fans are such fanatics, that they pitch their tents and camp overnight to try and secure access.
The Matches
Despite there being many tennis tournaments, Wimbledon is widely accepted as being the most atmospheric tournament in the world and has been the backdrop to some of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport.
While it is known that some of the greatest players in the history of the game have had their crowning moments on the centre court, from past legends like Peter Sampras, Bjorn Bor and Martina Navratilova, to modern icons, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon is also a great place to see emerging talent. There is the centre court which is where the finals are held but there are additional courts where the stars of tomorrow will play. The tennis club itself is much larger than people expect with a total of 55 courts but throughout the tournament,18 championship courts are used. Thankfully, since 2019 there have been retractable roofs to protect the Centre Court and Court number 1 because although it is British summertime, there is no guarantee of sunshine.
The Dress Code
The notoriously strict dress code applies to all, that includes the world’s greatest tennis players who have to adhere to the rule of an all white ensemble. But one of the great components of the tournament is everyone is dressed to impress in honour of the tradition and elegance of the affair. Think summer chic – linen suits and Panama hats for men and flowing summer dresses for women, think vintage glamour and you will be sure to look the part.
The fantastic fashion is a draw for many with the most glamorous people in modern history all having attended the tournament: from the Princess of Wales to fashion royalty, Vera Wang, to pop Princesses, Shakira and Beyonce, and James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, you are as sure to see celebrities as you are to see tennis.
The Dining Experience
No aspect of Wimbledon is as traditional as the food. Think sweet summer strawberries and plenty of cream, of course, there is always high English tea on offer, handmade baked goods that can be washed down with tea, or champagne, and of course Pimms. As well as the traditional tipples there is a range of gourmet dining options so rest assured there is something for everyone.
Getting there
Wimbledon itself is incredibly well-connected. The event is a short walk away from the train station so you can commute with fellow revellers to soak up the atmosphere and anticipation with other spectators.
If you are lucky enough to join one of the half a million people who flock to Wimbledon with the hope of seeing their idols excel this year there is one thing guaranteed: an unforgettable day out. Whether you are there for the tennis, the fashion, the atmosphere, or the overall sense of occasion, following our guide will ensure you can appreciate the day in all its glory.
