Uncovering Wimbledon’s Hidden History and Quirky Traditions
The Wimbledon Championship, a globally renowned sporting event, holds numerous lesser-known secrets and fascinating origins. Initially, lawn tennis, pioneered by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield in 1874, was known as ‘sphairistike’ and played on hourglass-shaped courts using vulcanised rubber balls, with its existence enabled by the lawn mower. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) itself began as a croquet club, with the first Wimbledon tournament in 1877 serving as a fundraiser to fix a broken croquet lawn roller. The inaugural winner, Spencer Gore, famously returned his £10 prize money, wishing it to be reinvested in the game’s growth.
Beyond the courts, Wimbledon boasts the Kenneth Ritchie Wimbledon Library, a public treasure trove housing 15,000 tennis-related items, from books to newspaper cuttings, used by historians and filmmakers alike. The club also maintains an extensive underground network storing 10,000 rackets and iconic tennis memorabilia, including Serena Williams’ 2016 dress, René Lacoste’s blazer, and Cliff Richard’s jacket from his impromptu singalong. Centre Court, despite its prestige, is only used for two weeks annually for matches, while other courts feature ‘hairdryers’ to keep the grass pristine and prevent waterlogging. Scoreboards remain frozen with the previous year’s winning scores for 50 weeks.
Technological advancements and quirky incidents have also shaped Wimbledon. David Attenborough, then BBC Two Controller, advocated for yellow tennis balls in 1967 to improve visibility on television, though Wimbledon resisted until 1986. Historically, players had unique refreshments; Suzanne Lenglen famously sipped champagne during matches, while on-court Coke vending machines were present until 2007. Conversely, Blanche Bingley’s excessive brunch in 1907, mistakenly believing her match was cancelled, led to a swift defeat. These fascinating details highlight Wimbledon’s rich history, from its humble beginnings to its iconic status, revealing the blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable moments that define the tournament.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/features/secrets-of-wimbledon)
