From Wearing Whites to Having Pimms, All You Need To Know About Wimbledon Championships Traditions

It’s the grass-court season time and the focus shifts towards the most important fortnight in the tennis calendar year. The Wimbledon Championships is around the corner and after its cancellation last year, the anticipation surrounding the event remains high. Every year, this tournament is attended by personalities of note.

From the four Grand Slam events that are played on Tour, the Wimbledon Championships has established its own unique identity. Every year, there are certain rules and traditions that are followed by those in attendance. Interestingly, these habits have become trends, and with time developed into a tradition that represents the Club and Championships.

Playing surface

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event that is played on grass. In the yesteryears, all four Majors were played on grass but with time, things have evolved and the other three Grand Slam events have opted for other surfaces such as clay and hard courts.

Addressing the players

The Championships are the only tournament that addresses men and women as gentlemen and ladies, respectively. Although they call the male players by their names, the women referred to by a ‘Miss or a Mrs.’ depending on their marital status.

Dress code at the?Wimbledon Championships

When it comes to Wimbledon, the famous all-white colors are strictly followed. Organizers are stern when it comes to the dress code and at times have called out players that fail to adhere to this clause. It has been a tradition and has been into play right since its inception in 1877.

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Strawberries and cream with Pimms

The serving of strawberries and cream has become an integral part of the culture of this event. Every year, for a fortnight, there are over two tonnes of strawberries with cream that are consumed. The serving of this combination indicates the arrival of summer. A Pimms gin-based herbal is served as a cocktail and is the summer drink for those in attendance.

Centre Court at the Wimbledon Championships

This is the court that has witnessed some of the most historic moments in sports. As compared to the other main courts at the various Grand Slam events, this court has not been named after a notable individual. During World War 2, there were five bombs that destroyed close to 1200 seats and it took nearly a decade to rebuild things. This was the first court at a Grand Slam venue to get a retractable roof.

Attendance of the Royal Family

Members of the Royal Family make it a point to attend some of the matches during the fortnight. The Queen has attended this event and was present during the 2010 season. However, various other members still light up the atmosphere every year.

Advertisement-free courts

As compared to the other Majors, there are no advertisement boards that fulfill endorsement responsibilities. This particular rule stands out and truly makes Wimbledon one-of-a-kind.

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Mid-break on Sunday at the Wimbledon Championships

The first Sunday during the course of two weeks is a day off for all players. There is no tennis being played, and this guideline makes Wimbledon stand out from the other three Slams. However, in the past, tennis has been played on the mid-Sunday as rain played spoilsport during the days prior.

The Wimbledon Championships 2021 begin June 28 onwards and will end on July 11. After the event was canceled last year, players will be eager to get back to playing on the grass. Swiss ace Roger Federer and superstar Serena Williams will feature this season.

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