7 things you didn’t know about Wimbledon

Stephan Kurmann

14.7.2023

Translation: Elicia Payne

The tournament at the All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon captivates players and spectators alike – the mix of history, tradition and world-class tennis is second to none. Last weekend, the tennis stars served to win the title. So I thought I’d share some facts and curiosities about the oldest tennis tournament in the world.

1. When was the Wimbledon tennis tournament first held?

The Wimbledon tennis tournament was held for the first time in July 1877 – under the name Lawn Tennis Championships. Not on Church Road, as it is today, but on Worple Road in Wimbledon.

According to legend, the All England Croquet Club (at that time the club only played croquet, not tennis) had to
get a lawn roller repaired. In order to collect the money for this, they decided without further ado to organise a tennis tournament and to charge an entrance fee for it.

At first, only men were allowed to play at the tournament. At that time, the tournament had 22 participants, each of whom had to pay an entry fee of one guinea. This was equivalent to one pound and one shilling. The winner received 12 guineas and a trophy worth 25 guineas. Seven years later, in 1884, the ladies also got their wooden bats out on the sacred lawn.

It wasn’t until 1922 that the tennis tournament was moved to Church Road. A new tennis facility was established there. It seated around 15,000 spectators. In 1937, the championships were televised for the first time – and Wimbledon’s popularity grew bigger and bigger.

2. Is there a dress code at the Wimbledon tennis tournament?

Yes, there is. Tradition is very important at Church Road. Since the very beginning, ladies and gentlemen at Wimbledon play in white. This dress code still applies today. At least 90 per cent of tennis clothing at Wimbledon must be white, and the remaining 10 per cent should be in inconspicuous pastel colours.

The «dress police» meticulously check compliance. Roger Federer was asked to change his shoes for his next match after his opening victory in 2013. The reason? Coloured soles.

But even at Wimbledon, change is happening. The ladies are allowed to play in coloured underwear for the first time this year. Female players complained of not feeling comfortable wearing white underwear on court during their period. During last year’s tournament, demonstrators also campaigned in the media for the rigid dress code to be adapted.

3. Why does everyone eat strawberries with whipped cream?

Tradition also applies to food. For dessert – or as a snack in between – there’s strawberries with whipped cream. It’s not 100% clear since when – whether since the first event in 1877, 1881 or from 1893. Sources disagree. Nevertheless, it’s been that way for a long time.

What is clear is how the berries are served. The punnets contain at least ten fruits plus cream. Each piece of fruit weighs between 12 and 13 grammes and is strictly regulated. In the two weeks of the tournament, around 150,000 bowls make it over the counter.

But why strawberries? Supposedly, a certain Cardinal Wosley was the first to come up with the idea of mixing strawberries with cream. He served this delicious combo at a banquet in 1509.

4. How much prize money will be distributed in 2023?

In total, the Wimbledon 2023 tennis tournament will distribute 44.7 million pounds, which is more than 50 million francs. The winners of the singles will receive 2.35 million pounds.

Compared to last year, the prize money has been increased, especially for the qualification and the first rounds of the main tournament. The money for qualifying has been increased by 14.5 per cent, the first-round prize money by 10 per cent. If a player loses in the first qualifying round, he or she will still receive 12,750 pounds, and 55,000 pounds in the first round of the main competition. A nice payday.

Equal prize money for men and women, by the way, has only existed since 2007. The All England Tennis Club announced the equalisation of money at the world’s most famous tennis tournament 15 years ago. Wimbledon was the last of the four Grand Slam tournaments to introduce the financial alignment.

5. Why is a golden pineapple enthroned on the men’s winner’s trophy?

The men play for a cup adorned with a golden pineapple. The not-so creative name for it being «Gentlemen's Singles Trophy». The winning lady of the tournament lifts up an oversized plate called the «Venus Rosewater Dish». More about that under point six.

But what does a tropical fruit have to do with a tennis tournament in England? Even tennis experts and historians don’t know exactly. A spokesman for the Wimbledon Museum shares his theory: «In the 17th century, pineapples couldn’t be grown in the United Kingdom and had to be imported, so being presented with a pineapple at a banquet was considered a great compliment.» Okay, so in addition to the winner’s check, there’s also a trophy with a pineapple on top.

6. What does the ladies’ plate have to do with rose water?

For the winner of the ladies’ singles, there’s the Venus Rosewater Dish. The dish has nothing to do with the famous US tennis player Venus Williams. Rather, the style and elegance of the dish is believed to be a tribute to the goddess Venus.

And rose water was a very popular perfume in the 16th century. Especially the social elite liked to use it – not only as a perfume, but also in dishes.

The rose water bowl was considered a status symbol. At opulent dinner parties, the guests held their hands over the bowl and the servants poured the noble rose water over it. More noble than cleaning your hands with a napkin.

7. Why is a buzzard part of the Wimbledon team?

Wimbledon has a pigeon problem. The birds like the infrastructure of the stadium. The roof above centre court, in particular, is a favourite nesting spot. The pigeons also like to bustle about on the beautifully manicured lawn or the spectator stands. The hosts are not amused by it.

For this reason, the desert buzzard Rufus has been circling over the tennis courts every morning since 2007 to drive away the uninvited guests. And it works: when the pigeons see the bird of prey, they make a run for it.

Did you watch the finals last weekend? Who were you supporting? Do you share the fascination of Wimbledon or is it not your cup of tea? Join the discussion in the comments.

Stephan Kurmann

Senior Communications Manager

Stephan.Kurmann@digitecgalaxus.ch

Studies claim that we have a shorter attention span than goldfish. Ouch! My job is to get your attention as often and for as long as possible. How? With content you enjoy. Outside of the office, you’ll find me on the tennis court, curled up with a book, Netflixing or travelling. more

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