The Wimbledon court. Photo: Getty Images
Compared to other tournaments, Wimbledon has a unique name and traditions connected to it. It is the dream of most tennis players to play on Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
Here’s probably why they harbour this ambition:
1. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and has been played since 1877. It is considered to be the most prestigious of all the four Grand Slams.
2. This is the only tournament that is still played on the sport’s original surface-grass.
3. Player have to strictly wear white at the tournament.
4. Spectators and players are offered strawberries and cream as the typical stand food at the tournament.
5. Players are referred to as Mr, Miss and Mrs as per their marital status especially in the case of women.
6. At Wimbledon, the ball boys and girls are known as BBGs and play a crucial role in the smooth running of the tournament, with a brief that a good BBG “should not be seen. They should blend into the background and get on with their jobs quietly.”
7. The Centre Court has survived a War World II bombing and now boasts of a roof that prevents rain delays from causing scheduling problems during the tournament.
8. This is the only Grand Slam which is patronised by a Royal Family. The Queen of Britain often visits Wimbledon and meets the players.
9. Wimbledon does not have any sponsor advertising around its courts.
10. The tournament has a ‘day of rest’. The middle Sunday of the Wimbledon fortnight is always a day off. – DNA
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