10 things you probably didn’t know about Wimbledon
Wimbledon returns to our TV screens next week, so it’s time to stock up on the strawberries and cream, and of course, plenty of Pimm’s. It’s also time to stock up on your knowledge of the iconic event to show your colleagues you really know what you’re going on about…
1. Winners actually receive a replica
Once the winners have shown the crowd their trophy and had a few photos taken, they have to return the silverware as it goes on display at the All England’s Club museum. However, they do receive a replica of the trophy for them to put on their mantelpiece.
2. It’s no child’s play
Being a ball kid at Wimbeldon is a tough job. Ball boys and girls are drawn from local schools and they are often nominated by their teachers. However, they have to pass a written and fitness test before they take part in intensive training. They have four training sessions as week and around 250 ball boys and girls are finally selected. The average age for a ball kid is 15.
3. Look down
Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event in the world that is played on grass. Good job that the courts are kitted out with 100% ryegrass then.
4. It’s been around for a while
Although the tennis tournament began back in 1877, it began broadcasting on BBC in 1937. The BBC have shown the event ever since, and last year they agreed that they would continue to broadcast it until at least 2024.
5. There are more people than you see on the TV…
A whopping 39,000 spectators can be in the grounds at any one time. However, back in its early days, the tournament was lucky if they could get more than 200 spectators and tickets for the final match were sold at one shilling each. Imagine!
6. Catering is a military operation
Wimbledon is the largest annual sporting catering operation in Europe, with 2,200 members of staff. Now get ready for some impressive numbers, spectators enjoy:
– 330,000 cups of tea and coffee
– 320,000 glasses of Pimm’s
– 110,000 pints of beer and lager
– 86,000 ice creams
– 76,000 sandwiches
– 29,000 bottles of champagne
– 28,000kg of English strawberries
– 25,000 scones
– 16,000 portions of fish and chips
– 5,000kg of bananas
7. They’re a fast bunch
The fastest serves of all time come from Taylor Dent in 2010, with 148mph and Venus Williams, with 129mph in 2008.
8. It’s all about the look
Organisers put a huge amount of work in to make sure that the courts look the very best. Over 50,000 plants are supplied each year. Centre Court is decorated in Boston Ivy, Parthenocissus Tricuspidaca Veitchii.
9. How many balls?!
Around 54,000 tennis balls are used throughout the tournament. The balls are replaced every 7-9 games to keep them in the best condition. Unused balls stay in refrigerated containers to maintain their condition. Fun fact, the balls were white until 1986, when organisers changed them to yellow so TV cameras could see them better.
10. No more bowing
The tradition of players bowing or curtseying in front of The Royal Box was scrapped in 2013. However, if Queen Elizabeth II or the Prince of Wales is present, players must make an exception. The Royal Box contains 74 dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs. The Queen attended in 1957, 1962, 1977 and 2010.
