Wimbledon is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a global sporting institution steeped in history and tradition. As the oldest and most prestigious tennis championship in the world, it represents the pinnacle of the sport, a two-week spectacle of drama, elegance, and supreme athletic prowess. Held annually at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, Wimbledon is a unique blend of modern, high-stakes competition and cherished, quintessentially British customs.

From the pristine grass courts and the all-white dress code to the Royal patronage and the iconic strawberries and cream, the tournament captivates millions of viewers worldwide. But beyond these well-known hallmarks lies a treasure trove of fascinating facts and hidden history. Delving into these details reveals why Wimbledon holds such a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike. Here are ten remarkable facts that contribute to the unique identity of The Championships.

1. The World’s Oldest and Most Prestigious Tennis Tournament

Wimbledon’s history stretches back to 1877, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It was first held at the All England Croquet Club off Worple Road in Wimbledon, organised to raise funds for a new pony-drawn roller for the croquet lawns. The club had recently added “Lawn Tennis” to its name to acknowledge the new sport’s growing popularity. The inaugural championship had only one event: the Gentlemen’s Singles. Twenty-two amateur men competed, and the final was watched by a crowd of just 200 people, each paying a shilling for a ticket. The first champion, Spencer Gore, declared that the game of “lawn tennis” was likely too dull to ever become a major sport. How wrong he was. From these humble beginnings, Wimbledon has grown into a global phenomenon, the only one of the four major “Grand Slam” tournaments still played on grass, the sport’s original surface. This long and storied history is a key part of its immense prestige.

2. The Strict All-White Dress Code

One of Wimbledon’s most distinctive and enduring traditions is the strict all-white dress code for players. This rule dates back to the Victorian era of the 1800s when the sight of sweat showing through coloured clothing was considered improper, particularly for women. White was chosen as it was thought to be cooler and less likely to show perspiration. Today, the rule is more detailed and rigorously enforced than ever. The official guidelines state that players’ attire must be “almost entirely white,” which includes accessories like headbands, wristbands, and even the soles of their shoes. Off-white or cream is not permitted. This has led to some famous controversies over the years, with even top players like Roger Federer being asked to change their footwear due to coloured soles. While some view the dress code as an elegant nod to tradition, others see it as an outdated and overly restrictive rule in the modern era of expressive athletic wear.

3. The Champions Don’t Keep the Trophies

Winning Wimbledon is the crowning achievement of a tennis player’s career, but the champions don’t get to take the iconic trophies home permanently. The main trophies are the property of the All England Club and remain on display at the Wimbledon Museum for most of the year. The Gentlemen’s Singles champion is presented with a silver gilt cup known as the Challenge Cup, which has been awarded since 1887. The Ladies’ Singles champion receives a sterling silver salver, often called the “Rosewater Dish” or “Venus Rosewater Dish,” which was first presented in 1886. Instead of the originals, the champions are given three-quarter-size replicas to keep as a permanent memento of their victory. The names of all champions are engraved on the original trophies, creating a continuous record of the tournament’s illustrious history.

4. An Official Hawk Keeps Pigeons Away

One of the most unique and charming facts about Wimbledon is its very own feathered employee. For over a decade, a Harris hawk named Rufus has been responsible for keeping the local pigeon population away from the courts. Pigeons can be a nuisance, damaging the pristine grass and distracting players during matches. To combat this in a natural and non-lethal way, Rufus is flown over the grounds for an hour most mornings before the gates open during the tournament. He doesn’t harm the pigeons; his mere presence is enough to deter them from settling. Rufus has become a beloved figure at the tournament, with his own All England Club ID card and a popular social media presence. In 2012, he briefly made national headlines when he was stolen from his owner’s car, but thankfully, he was safely returned a few days later, ready to resume his important duties.

5. The Longest Match in History Lasted Over 11 Hours

In 2010, Wimbledon was the stage for the longest match in the history of professional tennis. In a first-round encounter on Court 18, American John Isner faced Frenchman Nicolas Mahut in an epic marathon that spanned three days. The match lasted a staggering 11 hours and 5 minutes. The reason for its incredible length was the fifth and final set, which, at the time, had to be won by a two-game margin with no tie-break. This final set alone lasted for 8 hours and 11 minutes, with Isner eventually winning it 70-68. The match shattered numerous records, including the most games in a set (138) and the most aces in a match (Isner hit 113 and Mahut 103). The scoreboard on Court 18 even malfunctioned at one point as it wasn’t designed to go past 47-47. Following this and other marathon matches, Wimbledon introduced a final set tie-break in 2019 to prevent such occurrences in the future.

6. Strawberries and Cream: A Tradition Since the First Tournament

Few things are as synonymous with Wimbledon as the tradition of eating strawberries and cream. This classic English summer treat has been served at The Championships since the very first tournament in 1877. In the Victorian era, strawberries were at the peak of their season during the tournament, making them a fashionable and seasonal delicacy for spectators. Today, the scale of this tradition is immense. During the two-week tournament, it’s estimated that around 28,000 kilograms (over 61,000 pounds) of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream are consumed. To ensure peak freshness, the strawberries are sourced from a specific farm in Kent, picked at dawn each morning, and delivered to the grounds on the same day. Served in a small punnet, this simple yet iconic snack is an essential part of the Wimbledon experience for hundreds of thousands of fans.

7. The Royal Box and Its Etiquette

The Royal Family has been associated with Wimbledon since 1907, and the Royal Box on Centre Court is a central part of this tradition. The 74-seat box is reserved for members of the British and overseas Royal Families, heads of government, and other distinguished guests from the worlds of sport, military, and entertainment. Invitations are issued by the Chairman of the All England Club. While there is no official written dress code for spectators at Wimbledon, those invited to the Royal Box are expected to dress smartly—lounge suits or jackets and ties for men, and formal dresses for women. One practical rule is that ladies are asked not to wear large hats, as they can obstruct the view of those sitting behind them. For many years, players were required to bow or curtsy to the Royal Box if the Queen or the Prince of Wales was present. This tradition was discontinued in 2003 by the Duke of Kent, the Club’s President, and is now only observed if the reigning monarch is in attendance.

8. The Science Behind the Famous Grass Courts

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament still played on grass, and the maintenance of these famous courts is a year-round science. The playing surface is 100% perennial ryegrass, which is considered the best for its durability and resilience. The grass is meticulously maintained to a precise height of 8mm during the tournament—any shorter and it would not be able to withstand the wear and tear, any longer and it would affect the speed and bounce of the ball. The courts are rolled and mown every day during The Championships, and the lines are repainted to ensure they are perfect. Preparations for the next year’s tournament begin almost as soon as the current one ends. The combination of soil composition, drainage, and a precise regimen of watering and care makes the Wimbledon courts some of the most revered and scientifically managed playing surfaces in the world.

9. Record-Breaking Champions

Wimbledon’s long history has been defined by its legendary champions. In the Gentlemen’s Singles, Roger Federer holds the record for the most titles in the Open Era, with eight victories between 2003 and 2017. In the Ladies’ Singles, Martina Navratilova stands alone with an incredible nine titles, including a remarkable streak of six consecutive wins from 1982 to 1987. These two players are considered among the greatest grass-court players of all time, their playing styles perfectly suited to the fast, low-bouncing surface. In terms of overall titles (including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles), the record is jointly held by two titans of the women’s game, Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, who each amassed an astounding 20 Wimbledon titles during their careers. These records highlight the incredible consistency and longevity required to dominate at the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament.

10. The Retractable Roofs on Centre Court and No. 1 Court

For over a century, rain was an unavoidable and often frustrating part of the Wimbledon experience, leading to long delays and rescheduled matches. This all changed in 2009 with the debut of a state-of-the-art retractable roof over Centre Court. The translucent, concertina-style roof can be closed in under 10 minutes, allowing play to continue during bad weather and into the evening under floodlights. It’s not just a simple cover; an advanced air management system controls the climate and humidity within the closed stadium to prevent condensation and keep the grass in perfect condition. In 2019, a second retractable roof was unveiled on No. 1 Court. These marvels of engineering have ensured that the tournament can stick to its schedule, providing uninterrupted action for the millions of fans watching in the stands and on television around the world, while still preserving the tradition of open-air, daytime tennis whenever possible.

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Further Reading

For those who want to serve up more knowledge on the history and legends of Wimbledon, these books are a perfect match:

• Wimbledon: The Official History by John Barrett
• Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played by L. Jon Wertheim
• The Last Champion: The Story of Fred Perry by Jon Henderson
• All In: An Autobiography by Billie Jean King

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