Wimbledon is undoubtedly the pinnacle of the British summer sporting scene, captivating the hearts of millions of fans worldwide with its tennis extravaganza. The All England Club takes center stage as it hosts the prestigious Championships, and while the historical significance and grandeur of Wimbledon is well-known, there are hidden secrets that make this tournament even more intriguing.
A major attraction at Wimbledon is Rufus, the Hawk, whose mission is to keep the grounds free from pigeons and other unwanted vermin. This ‘pigeon-patrol’ arrives at the All England Club at 5 am daily, ensuring that the sporting spectacle is uninterrupted by any unwelcome guests. Rufus has also worked his magic at other prestigious locations such as Lord’s Cricket Ground, Westminster Abbey, and Fulham Football Club.
The All England Club boasts a complex network of underground tunnels that provide a discreet passageway for players and staff to navigate around the grounds, away from the bustling crowd of 40,000-plus fans. These tunnels, which were opened in 1997, connect every corner of the grounds, including No1 Court, changing rooms, and various other hidden rooms.
It may surprise you to learn that Wimbledon uses approximately 53,000 Slazenger tennis balls during the fortnight. Stored in an underground ball bunker at precisely 20C, these balls are essential for maintaining consistency during play. If you wish to acquire any, you can try catching one in the crowd or purchase used balls, with proceeds going to the Wimbledon Foundation.
Underneath the glitz and glamour, Wimbledon features specially curated dressing rooms for the top-seeded players, complete with luxurious amenities and impeccable service. From specially reserved spaces to the “greatest showers in the world”, Wimbledon provides an unparalleled experience for tennis stars.
While the focus at Wimbledon remains on the court, it also attracts an array of high-profile celebrities, from royalty to Hollywood stars. The protection and safety of these VIPs are of utmost importance, and the security guards use the code phrase “full jug of Pimm’s” to discreetly refer to big-time celebs.
Strawberries and cream have become synonymous with Wimbledon, with approximately 250,000 portions of Grade One quality strawberries being sold each year at the tournament, carrying on a tradition that dates back to King Henry VIII’s enjoyment of the fruit as a snack while watching tennis in the 1500s.
Maintaining the grass courts at Wimbledon is an arduous task. The 18 Championship courts, along with the 20 practice courts, require meticulous care and attention. The living grass is cut to an exact length of 8mm, and the horticulture team sources 20,000 different types of plants from South-West London and all over Europe, with 30,000 petunias adding to the vibrant display.
The fascination of Wimbledon extends far beyond the iconic sporting event, encapsulating a world of hidden wonders and secrets that add an extra layer of charm to this prestigious tournament.