Wimbledon, one of the most prestigious and iconic tennis tournaments in the world kicked off earlier this week at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. To mark this special occasion, I'm inviting you to enjoy a few exclusive pics of the Championships' world-famous grounds as you've never seen them before - bereft of people. For context, I paired them with relevant mind-blowing figures that reflect the importance of this tournament in the grand scheme of things.
Wimbledon Tennis Championships facts and numbers
The Wimbledon tennis tournament has a rich history and many interesting numbers associated with its tennis courts. Here are some fascinating facts about the Wimbledon tennis courts:
1. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club: Wimbledon is held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, located in Wimbledon, London, England. The club was founded in 1868, and the first Wimbledon Championships were held in 1877.
2. Grass Surface: Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament still played on a grass surface. The grass courts at Wimbledon are meticulously maintained and are considered the fastest courts among all Grand Slam events.
3. Number of Courts: The All England Club has a total of 18 grass courts, including the iconic Centre Court and No. 1 Court, which are the two main show courts.
4. Centre Court: Centre Court is the most famous and prestigious court at Wimbledon. It has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators and features a retractable roof, which was introduced in 2009, allowing play to continue during rain interruptions.
5. Strawberries and Cream: Wimbledon is synonymous with strawberries and cream, a traditional treat for spectators. It is estimated that over 28,000 kg (about 62,000 pounds) of strawberries and 7,000 liters (about 1,850 gallons) of cream are consumed during the two-week tournament.
6. Grading System: The grass courts at Wimbledon are meticulously maintained and are graded using a specific system. The courts are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the best and 5 being the worst. Only courts rated 1 and 2 are used for the Wimbledon Championships.
7. White Dress Code: Players at Wimbledon are required to adhere to a strict all-white dress code. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, and players must wear predominantly white clothing to compete on the courts.
8. Royal Box: Wimbledon has a prestigious Royal Box, reserved for members of the British Royal Family, distinguished guests, and celebrities. It is a symbol of the tournament's long-standing connection with royalty and high society.
9. Hawk-Eye Technology: Wimbledon introduced the Hawk-Eye electronic line-calling system in 2007. The system allows players to challenge line calls, and it has added an element of drama to matches as players and fans await the decision.
10. The Longest Match: The longest match in Wimbledon history took place in 2010 when John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a marathon first-round match that lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days.
These numbers and facts are just a glimpse of the history and traditions that make Wimbledon such a special event in the world of tennis. The tournament's unique grass courts, traditional customs, and iconic moments have contributed to its enduring appeal and global reputation. If you wish to visit the grounds and take in these historic views without the buzzing crowds, I highly recommend booking a 90-minute Tour from here. The ticket includes access to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Please note that public Grounds tours don't run during the Championships, therefore between 24 June - 14 July 2023. They will resume on 15 July 2024.
*All photos were taken by Ina/WithinLondon unless stated otherwise.
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