Wimbledon - The Story Behind the World's Oldest Tennis Tournament
Published on
by Dominic Mills
Founded in 1877, the Wimbledon Championship is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. Steeped in tradition, heritage and world-class tennis - this is the story behind how Wimbledon went from being the side-show at a croquet competition to the most famous tennis tournament in the world.
In this Insight:
The Beginning
Tennis has been played in varying formats throughout history, going as far back as the 11th century where it was a popular pastime among French monks who, instead of rackets, used their hands to strike a ball over a net.
The game of tennis, as we know it today - with rackets and standardised courts and balls - is widely recognised to have been invented in 1873, and first called ‘Sphairistike’, from the Ancient Greek meaning 'skill at playing ball', but later became popularised under the name ‘Lawn Tennis’.
The first lawn tennis championships in the world were held in 1877 at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, in Wimbledon - thus marking the beginning of competitive tennis and what we now know as the Wimbledon Championships.
The first championship saw 22 men enter as a crowd of 200 spectators watched on. By the 1880s the tournament had grown substantially to include a doubles tournament for the men and a ladies singles event, with crowds regularly surpassing 3,000.
Wimbledon Grows (and Grows)
The decades that followed saw Wimbledon build on its heritage to establish itself as the world’s foremost tennis tournament.
Throughout the late 1800s, Wimbledon had become a staple of British sporting culture, adding more events, including ladies doubles and mixed doubles, as well as seeing notable players such as the Doherty brothers rise to fame in society and become Britain's first big tennis stars.
By the early 1900s, Wimbledon’s prestige had grown beyond Britain and its borders, as the success of international players such as May Sutton (USA) and Norman Brookes (Australia), as well as Wimbledon hosting tennis at the 1908 Olympic Games helped the tournament grow on the international stage.
Despite play being halted across two separate stints for a number of years during the two world wars - even seeing Wimbledon’s Centre Court bombed in 1940 - the tournament continued to grow throughout the first half of the 1900s.
This period saw a host of major milestones that included moving to a new 13,500 seated venue in 1922, the king of England playing at Wimbledon in 1926, Fred Perry winning three championships in a row from 1934-1936, and the tournament being internationally recognised as one of the world’s best by being named one of the four ‘Grand Slams’ in tennis, alongside the French, Australian and U.S. Championships.
The Open Era
In 1968, tennis changed forever as the Grand Slam tournaments, who had previously never allowed professional players to compete, agreed to open play to professionals as well as amateurs, and introduced prize earnings.
The ‘Open Era’, as it has since become known as, skyrocketed Wimbledon to yet greater heights. On the court, it saw an influx of international players, and fans flocked to see the differing playing styles and personalities of players from around the world.
The introduction of coloured television broadcasts at Wimbledon in the early 1970s, as well as the rising popularity of tennis-based video games such as ‘Pong’ helped bring Wimbledon and the game of tennis into homes around the world.
This rise in public interest created some of the first globally renowned tennis stars, as Wimbledon played home to legendary showdowns between the likes of Björn Borg and John McEnroe, as well as legendary triumphs for Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Evonne Goolagong, Martina Navratilova and Stan Smith all sparked crucial cultural moments that shaped generations.
Icons of the Wimbledon Open Era
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Modern Day Wimbledon
Having been the pinnacle tennis competition for almost 150 years, Wimbledon has built on its unmatched legacy to continue to serve as the top tournament for Tennis fans far into the 21st century.
In the modern day, Wimbledon’s success has centred around three main pillars: on-court excellence, tradition and culture.
On-court excellence has always been one of fans’ biggest draws to Wimbledon. The competition has brought the best performances out of the best players. In recent times, we’ve seen the world’s foremost tennis players turn Wimbledon into their personal battleground as the likes of Serena and Venus Williams won eight out of 10 consecutive finals and ‘The Big Three’ of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer clinched 17 titles in 20 years between them.
Tradition is thoroughly interwoven into the identity of the Wimbledon Championships and forms an integral part of the tournament’s appeal and success to date. From the iconic all-white player dress-code to the pristine grass courts (the only one of the four grand slams to use grass), Wimbledon has always stayed true to its traditions, attracting fans, players and media attention.
Wimbledon’s place as the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world has been enhanced by its ability to tie into cultural moments. The championships have long been a popular destination for celebrities and royalty, with Wimbledon often proving to be a cultural bridge between sport and the famous faces of the day. From David Beckham catching a stray ball to Cliff Richards’ entertaining the crowd during a rain delay, nowhere causes a stir quite like Wimbledon.
Experience Wimbledon’s World Class Fan Experience
For two weeks across late June and early July, the eyes of the world turn to a quaint suburb of London for the most thrilling and eye-catching tennis spectacle of the year.
For tennis fans, Wimbledon is a dream destination and a must-go event. Not only because of the world-class tennis on display, but because of Wimbledon’s one-of-a-kind fan experience.
Whether you’re wanting to mix with the crowds and soak up the atmosphere on Henman Hill (also known as Murray Mound) or enjoy exclusive experiences including lounges, tours, and meet & greets, Wimbledon is a hub for tennis lovers, like no other.
And you mustn’t forget to enjoy Wimbledon’s famous strawberries and cream, practically served on tap throughout the fan areas.
To book your experience for the next Wimbledon Championships, visit the page below and gain access to SPORTFIVE’s debenture tickets, guaranteeing premium seats on Centre Court or No. Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Hospitality/VIP invitation is more than just a ticket: it’s your access to an exclusive fan club and business network. From employee incentivisation to maintaining or forming business relationships, Hospitality is diverse and effective. 72% of VIP guests generate business through the networks in the Hospitality areas. Take advantage of this unique platform by diving into the fervour surrounding the sport and give your customers, business partners and employees an experience they won’t forget.
To purchase hospitality tickets, one common approach is to use exclusive agencies or authorised providers associated with the event or venue. These agencies specialise in offering premium hospitality experiences, including VIP tickets, luxury suites, and special access packages. Here's a general process:
Identify Exclusive Agencies: Research and identify agencies authorised to sell hospitality tickets for the specific event or venue you're interested in. These agencies, such as SPORTFIVE, often have official partnerships with organisers.
Visit Official Event Websites: Check the official website of the event or venue for information on authorised hospitality providers. Many events provide links or details about official hospitality packages.
Contact Authorised Sellers: Reach out to authorised hospitality sellers directly through their websites or contact information. Inquire about available packages, pricing, and any exclusive perks.
Purchase Through Reputable Channels: Ensure you purchase tickets through reputable and authorised channels to avoid scams or counterfeit tickets. Exclusive agencies provide a secure and official means of acquiring premium hospitality tickets, enhancing the overall event experience.
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that specialises in sports rights, marketing, and entertainment. We work with sports organisations, clubs, and brands to create and optimise commercial opportunities in the sports industry. SPORTFIVE is involved in various aspects of sports business, including the sale of broadcasting rights, sponsorship and partnership management, stadium naming rights, and other marketing initiatives.
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SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that specialises in various aspects of the sports and entertainment industry. The agency works with sports organisations, teams, and brands to optimise commercial opportunities.
One of SPORTFIVE's key areas of focus is the sale and management of sports media rights, including broadcasting and digital distribution deals. They negotiate and facilitate partnerships, sponsorships, and naming rights for sports entities, helping them enhance their brand value and revenue streams.
Additionally, SPORTFIVE provides expertise in marketing strategies, assisting clients in building strong connections with their target audiences. Their comprehensive approach spans across the sports business landscape, from media rights to sponsorship management, contributing to the overall growth and success of their clients in the dynamic world of sports marketing.
SPORTFIVE combines global reach, data-driven insights and a deep understanding of sports markets to deliver tailored sponsorship solutions that drive commercial success for rightsholders.
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