With the biggest tennis event in history just around the corner, favorite Andy Murray remains yet to make his grand comeback after taking the year out for a hip injury. Murray’s last appearance on the court was at last year’s Wimbledon when he was knocked out in the Men’s Singles quarterfinals by American Sam Querrey.
Without a doubt, Wimbledon is the grandest stage of them all in three world of tennis, whilst also holding the record for being the oldest, as the competition has run consistently for 141 years, 90 of them being broadcast to the BBC, a landmark anniversary celebrated last year. Aside from being the biggest and most prestigious, Wimbledon also happens to be one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the other three being the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open. Since the Australian Open shifted to hardcourt in 1988, Wimbledon is now the only major tennis tournament still played on grass rather than hardcourt. One of the many notable elements of Wimbledon is the association with Strawberries and Cream, a famed British snack. The Brits love the summer treat so much, that throughout the entire 2017 event, they consumed an incredible 34,000kg of Strawberries (the equivalent of 3 London Buses worth!) and 10,000 liters of cream.
Another feature that makes the event stand out so clearly amongst other high-level tournaments, especially the additional Grand Slam events is the strict uniform code that the athletes have to adhere to, which requires all players, male or female, pro or newbie to wear all white from head to toe. This includes all underwear, socks and even any medical equipment such as knee wraps or joint supports the players may need to wear. Although the rules may surprise, and sometimes even frustrate both athletes and sponsors, Wimbledon officials made their reasoning clear, explaining that during the tournament, they would prefer the spectators focus to be purely on the playing ability and skill of the athletes, rather than any outfit choices, sponsorship advertising or unnecessary choice of fashion or physique.
If you’re planning on checking out the games this summer, be sure to use this guide to plan your time wisely and make the most of the tournament. Let us know if you made any of the events, and if your player of choice won!
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