The Defending champions and a few changes
This year the main tournament will begin on Monday 1 July 2019 and finish on Sunday 14 July 2019 and it will be the first version of the tournament to feature a tie break at 12 all in the final set. Wimbledon 2019 will see the male world no.1 Novak Djokovic and female world no.5 Angelique Kerber defending their titles as champions in the singles competitions – it’s going to be a good one (fingers crossed the weather will be good too).
Wondering what Wimbledon is all about?
Wonder no more! Read our handy guide to Wimbledon’s many quirks and traditions. Our favourite, the demolishing of delicious strawberries and cream!
1. The Oldest Tournament in the World
Wimbledon has been played since 1877, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the world. Out of the four ‘Grand Slams’ it’s considered the most prestigious – no wonder nearly 7 million viewers tune in to catch the excitement every year!
2. Strawberries and Cream
A librarian from the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum once told the New York times that Strawberries at Wimbledon date back to that first tournament in 1877. Strawberries and tennis, she said, signaled the start of summer! Strawberries and cream are still the customary snack of choice at Wimbledon. Ideally washed down with a glass of champagne!
Image courtesy of partydelights.co.uk
3. All White Everything
Players at Wimbledon must adhere to a strict all white dress code. Dark, bold or fluorescent colours are a big no-no here! When Roger Federer came on court sporting orange soles on his shoes he was pulled up straight away by the organisers. No messing!
4. ‘Lawn Tennis’
Wimbledon is the only tournament that’s still played on grass – the original surface of tennis.
5. BBGs
‘Ball boys’ and ‘ball girls’ are crucial to the smooth running of the tournament. They’re known as ‘BBGs’ and are given a strict brief to get on with their jobs quietly and blend into the background as far as possible.
Image courtesy of schoolsweek.co.uk
6. Rain-Proof
Rain used to be the cause of plenty of scheduling issues but now centre court boasts an impressive retractable roof that prevents delays.
Image courtesy of i.telegraph.co.uk
7. Advert Free!
Wimbledon is very traditional in that it doesn’t have any sponsor advertising on or around the courts.
8. Rest Day
The Sunday that falls in the middle of the tournament is a ‘day of rest’ where play stops.
9. A Royal Affair
The royals love a bit of tennis and regularly watch from The Royal Box.
Image courtesy of Susan Mullane-US PRESSWIRE
10. Catch it on the big screen
Even if you’re not lucky enough to get tickets for the tournament, there’s plenty of places around London to watch it on the big screen. Come rain or shine, Londoners will be out in force to support their players!
Sad times: The 2019 Championships are set to be the final tournament taken part in by former World No. 1 Andy Murray
Image courtesy of media.timeout.com
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