Why is Wimbledon so famous?

Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious and iconic sporting events in the world due to its combination of tradition, history, grass courts, and prestige. The only major still held on grass, which is the customary tennis court surface, the grass courts at Wimbledon call for a specific playing style that emphasizes grace, finesse, and calculated shots. Additionally, despite the fact that matches can now go until 11 p.m. with lights on, it is the only Grand Slam that still enforces a night curfew.

Wimbledon is also well-known for its strict dress code, which mandates that players wear an all-white attire. Additionally, the tournament continues to follow certain traditions, such as hosting distinguished guests and members of the British royal family in the Royal Box to watch the matches.

What is another name for Wimbledon?

The Wimbledon Championships is another name for Wimbledon. The tournament is also popularly known as the All England Lawn Tennis Championships. The International Lawn Tennis Federation recognized the tournament with the name World Grass Court Championships from 1912 to 1924. It is one of the oldest tennis tournament in the world, among three others being the US Open, French Open, and the Australian Open. Wimbledon has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877.

What traditions are still followed in Wimbledon?

Several traditions still followed in Wimbledon involve the royalty that comes with the tournament, the night curfew, grass courts, and an all-white dress code.

At Wimbledon, strawberries and cream are traditionally served. In contrast to other tournaments, official suppliers like Slazenger, Rolex and IBM only do minimal and subtle advertising. The partnership with Slazenger, which has been providing balls for the tournament since 1902, is the world's longest-running sporting sponsorship.

The 137th Wimbledon Championships, will take place from July 1, 2024 to July 14, 2024. Since the passing of the previous patron, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022, King Charles III will be attending the event.

What is the role of the Royal Family at Wimbledon?

Previously, when entering or leaving Center Court, players would bow to members of the royal family who sit in the Royal Box. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the president of the All England Club, made the decision to end the custom in 2003.

Now, as was customary during the 2010 Championships when Elizabeth II was present at Wimbledon on June 24, players are only required to bow if the Prince of Wales or the King is present.

In his post-match interview on June 27, 2012, Roger Federer stated that it was not a problem for him when asked to bow towards the Royal Box because Prince Charles and his wife were in attendance.

What is the story of Strawberries and Cream at Wimbledon?

The Wimbledon tournament has become culturally associated with strawberries and cream, which Wimbledon spectators frequently consume while watching the match.

This custom has its origins in a visit that King Henry VIII made to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Wolsey lived in Hampton Court, which is about ten miles away from Wimbledon. According to a rumor, the King was served a dessert of wild strawberries and cream by the chancellor's cook. The dessert has grown in popularity ever since the King consumed it.

Fans consumed 10,000 liters (2,200 imperial gallons) of cream and 34,000 kg (33 imperial tons) of British strawberries in 2017. At Wimbledon's 2019 Championships, 191,930 servings of strawberries and cream were served.