Wimbledon–Where Tennis Was Born

Entrance to Center Court, Wimbledon.

As a competitive tennis player and aficionado of the game for over 40 years and especially  a fan of Martina Navratilova, it was a huge thrill to take a tour of the grounds and the museum while in England. The sport of tennis was born here in 1877 and Martina has won more trophies here than any other woman or man—a record 9 titles! Our tour guide, Stephen, was charming, funny, very British, and extremely knowledgeable. He walked our small group throughout the grounds explaining its history, the maintenance of the grass courts, interesting stories about the players, and the strict rules and customs of the All England Lawn Tennis Championships. The club began as a private club where members played croquet on the well manicured lawn and socialized. Today, it continues to be a private tennis club where only members and their guests can play daily except during the two-week championships. 

Ladies Championship Board at Wimbledon

Ladies Wimbledon Players.

Wimbledon White

British tradition continued with royalty and the elite members setting the stage for the first Wimbledon tennis championships at a time when it was improper for men and women to perspire in public. It was determined that wearing white clothing showed the least amount of sweat and therefore required the players to dress in all white! There are stories of such rebellious players as Andre Agassi who refused to abide by this tradition until he was told he could not play. This tradition of wearing all white still holds true today.

Wimbledon Grass Courts

Considered the most coveted and prestigious tennis event in the world by both players and fans, the actual grass courts must be precisely cut and maintained accordingly—cut daily at precisely ¼ inch and mowed every day during the two-week tournament.

Manicured grass courts at Wimbledon.

From the old wooden racquets in the beginning, they have changed in shape, composition, and size. Some of the Greats who played and also designed clothing fashions are Fred Perry and Rene Lacoste.

Still Playing Tennis and Finally at Wimbledon

Rene Griffith, tennis player who dreamed of visiting Wimbledon someday.

As I walked along the grounds at Wimbledon, I wondered what the champions must have felt to reach this pinnacle of tennis. The accomplishment of a dream they may have had as a child and many of them spoke of these hopes and dreams during interviews. Martina, Chris Evert, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, and so many others. They are now the elite who hold lifetime membership in that very special club called the All England Lawn and Tennis Club.

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