Aug 05 (News On Japan) - Whether you are a tennis enthusiast or a sports novice, you must have heard about the famous Wimbledon tennis tournament.
This legendary sporting event has traditions, history, and an air of prestige. Wimbledon stands tall in today's sporting world and online sweepstakes casino games, still upholding its decades-long rules and traditions. That's why it's no wonder people turn up excitedly every summer for the Championships at Wimbledon.
In this article, we will learn about the tournament's allure and explore its iconic tradition.
A Brief History Of Wimbledon
Wimbledon holds a special place in tennis's history as the world's oldest tennis tournament. It kicked off in 1877 at London's All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, on the same grounds where it's been played for over 140 years.
Originally intended as a fundraiser to repair the club's pony roller, the inaugural tournament featured only one event: the Gentlemen's Singles. However, as time went on, Wimbledon's popularity soared, and in 1844, women's singles were added.
One of the defining moments in its history was the opening of the iconic Centre Court in 1922. Today's legendary court became the centrepiece of the Wimbledon tournament, hosting thrilling matches and capturing the hearts of sports enthusiasts worldwide.
The Wimbledon Traditions: What Makes the Event Truly Prestigious?
As one of the four Grand Slam events, Wimbledon is not just about the intense tennis court matches. The tournament is also synonymous with a set of unique traditions that add to its charm and make it stand out.
The All-White Dress Code
Wimbledon is big on tradition and formality. That's why, after many decades, the tournament has not changed its dress code.
It still requires players to dress in all-white or nearly all-white attire. The occasional colour or pattern is acceptable only if it does not represent any brand logo. This attire adds a touch of class to the event, ensures the focus is on the game, and creates a sense of sincerity.
Royal Patronage
Another cherished tradition is the royal patronage. Since 1907, the British royal family has been associated with Wimbledon, with members from the monarchy always showing up for the tournament. The court features a specific box that's meant for the royal family. Their presence adds a touch of elegance and prestige to the event, and fans and players enthusiastically anticipate their attendance.
Strawberries and Cream
You can't talk about Wimbledon without mentioning strawberries and cream. It's practically a staple in the tournament, with spectators always relishing this sweet meal while watching the game.
The tradition of serving fresh strawberries with cream dates back to the 19th century, partly in response to the fruit's popularity in London at that time. After all, at that period, they were available for only a few weeks a year—that coincided with the tennis tournament.
Interestingly, over 28,000 kgs of strawberries are usually consumed during the two-week event, topped perfectly with 7,000 litres of cream.
The Grass Courts
Wimbledon still upholds the tradition of playing on grass courts at the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It's the only notable tournament that's still played on them. More notably, it is the only Grand Slam tournament that imposes a night curfew despite it being possible to be held during the night.
Final Thoughts
From its origins as a humble tennis tournament to its status as a global sporting phenomenon, Wimbledon continues to be a prestigious and famous event in the world. Its traditions, from royal patronage to grass courts, all-white dresses to strawberries and cream, are part and parcel of what makes Wimbledon truly one of a kind.
