Every year the quiet southern suburb of London — Wimbledon turns into the world capital of tennis. For two weeks (late June — early July), the All England Tennis and Croquet Club has been holding the British Open — Wimbledon Tennis Tournament on its courts. The Championships, Wimbledon), the most prestigious competition of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Wimbledon — is the only major tennis tournament in the world where matches are played on grass. Although on clay courts (at the French Open) the ball is in play longer, playing on grass requires more reaction and power from players, especially when serving. This surface makes the rebound of the ball very low and unpredictable. Due to the low rebound, players who play well at the net and need less time to prepare to receive an opponent's shot gain an advantage.
The grass on Central and First Courts is covered with rolls, which are grown on a special farm in Yorkshire. The process of producing and storing such turf is still kept secret.
A tennis tournament with more than 140 years of history is distinguished not only by playing on grass and in the open air, but also by white uniforms, which are mandatory for all participants. For failure to comply with the wardrobe tradition, a tennis player, even if he is a super professional, can easily be disqualified.
Traditional Wimbledon treat — strawberries with cream. It is estimated that during two weeks of the tournament, guests consume up to 150 thousand servings of this exquisite delicacy. Strawberries are grown especially for the tournament near London. The berries are supplied directly from the beds, so that no more than a day passes from harvest to sale.
The Wimbledon Tennis Complex at Church Road is also known for its tennis museum. It houses unique exhibits dating back to the long history of this sport. At the museum you can not only get acquainted with an impressive composition of rackets, balls and sports uniforms, but also look at the famous Central Court.
At the beginning of July 1877, readers of the English newspaper The Field were invited to the first world grass tennis tournament: « The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club Wimbledon invites everyone to try their hand at the tennis competition on Monday 9 July, as well as in the following days. Two prizes await the winners: a gold prize for the champion, and a silver — prize for the finalist!».
The day of July 9, 1877 can be considered the official birth of the Wimbledon tournament.
The All England Croquet Club had been established nine years earlier on leased land at Worple Road in south-west London. Growing interest in lawn tennis necessitated the construction of the first tennis court in 1875. The club was then renamed the All England Croquet and Tennis Club and a new charter was adopted.
The one-guinea fee for the tournament was paid by 22 players in hopes of winning the — 35 Guineas grand prize. This money went to Spencer Gore —, the first Wimbledon champion. And his first finalist — Marshall — earned just over seven guineas.
In 1884, the number of participants was twice as large as —; women's singles were added to the men's singles matches. The first winner of the tournament was Miss Maud Vatson.
Today the Wimbledon tennis tournament — is not just a sporting event, it is an international cultural phenomenon. Its draws are broadcast annually by 80 broadcasters, with over 3,000 journalists and photographers participating in the coverage of the tournament, and a total prize pool of over £44 million (in 2023).