The Championships Wimbledon

The Championships Wimbledon

08 June, 2009
by: Spoonfed Team

Held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, South London, The Championships, Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and widely considered to be the most prestigious – and excitement is already growing for the 2009 Wimbledon tournament. An annual event since 1877, Wimbledon is one of four Grand Slam tennis events, alongside the French, Australian and US Opens, and is the only Grand Slam played on grass courts. The tournament takes place every summer over two weeks in late June and early July when Wimbledon is overrun by tennis fans from all over the world. The 2009 event will take place from 22 June through 5 July.

As the creators of the sport and hosts of its most illustrious competitions, we English are understandably quite proud of Wimbledon. However, the tournament proves to be frustratingly disappointing for the public, as hopes for a British victory repeatedly come up empty. No British man has won the singles event at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, and no British woman since Virginia Wade in 1977. Though recent hopes are being pinned on Andy Murray, he has famously made the distinction that he is ‘Scottish, but also British.’ Regardless of country of origin, there is no doubt that the crowds will arrive en masse to support the great British hope, so the atmosphere of the 2009 tournament is bound to be one of excitement and jubilation.

Although fans without tickets can get limited tickets to seats on Centre Court on the day of the match, this usually requires overnight queuing.  Visitors who want to skip the queue may purchase admission tickets on the day for the outside courts during the tournament’s first week. These courts feature singles, doubles and juniors matches, and tickets also allow access to various attractions and facilities located on the grounds. Be sure to bring your umbrella though as the unpredictable English weather tends to throw the tournament into disarray due to sporadic showers. Those with Centre Court tickets need not worry however, as this year’s tournament would be the first to utilise a multi-million pound retractable roof.

The 2009 Wimbledon Championships runs from June 27th to July 5th. To view the full tournament schedule visit the official Wimbledon Website.

Can’t wait until the first match? See what’s on at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

Click here to see all things to do in Wimbledon
Click here to see all things to do in London

Spoonfed Team