Wimbledon tennis tournament
Description:
Wimbledon is the only major tennis tournament in the world where matches are played on the grass. Although on clay courts (at the French Open) the ball is in play longer, playing grass requires players to have more reaction and power, especially when serving. This coating makes the bounce of the ball very low and unpredictable. Because of the low rebound, the advantage is given to players who play well against the net and who need less time to prepare to take the opponent's shot.
In the best position are players with a powerful shot or - more importantly - a powerful serve, such as Andy Roddick or 2001 champion Goran Ivanisevich. Tennis players play best on the grass, who reinforce their serve with immediate access to the net to attack the opponent. In this style plays the first racket of Britain Tim Henman. Even though Henman feels at home at Wimbledon centre court, he has never won this famous tournament.
The grass on the Central and First Courts is covered with rolls, which are grown on a special farm in Yorkshire. The process of production and storage of such sod is still kept secret.
The tennis tournament with more than 120 years of history is distinguished not only by playing on the grass and in the open air, but also by the mandatory white form for all participants. For non-compliance with the dressing tradition of a tennis player, even if he is a super professional, can easily be disqualified.
The traditional Wimbledon treat is strawberries with cream. It is estimated that during the two weeks of the tournament, guests absorb up to 150,000 portions of this exquisite delicacy. Strawberries are grown especially for the tournament near London. The berry is delivered directly from the beds, so that no more than a day passes from harvest to sale.
The Wimbledon Tennis Complex on Church Road is also known for its tennis museum. It contains unique exhibits related to the long history of this sport. In the museum you can not only get acquainted with the impressive composition of rackets, balls and sports uniforms, but also look at the famous Central Court.
On June 9, 1877, readers of the English newspaper The Field were invited to the first world tennis tournament on the grass: the All-English Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club Wimbledon invites everyone to try their hand at the tennis competition on Monday 9 July, as well as in the following days. The winners will receive two prizes: the gold prize to the champion, and the silver prize to the finalist! June 9, 1877 can be considered the official birth of the Wimbledon tournament.
The All-English Croquet Club was set up nine years earlier on rented land in Worple Road in south-west London. The growing interest in lawn tennis prompted the construction of the first tennis court in 1875. The club was renamed the All-English Croquet and Tennis Club and adopted a new charter.
The fee for participation in the tournament in the amount of one guinea made 22 players in the hope of receiving the main prize - 35 guineas. This money went to Spencer Gore, the first Wimbledon champion. And his first finalist, Marshall, earned just over seven guineas.
In 1884, the number of participants was twice as large - women were added to male singles. The first winner of the tournament was Miss Maud Vatzon, and in 1887 Charlotte “Lottie Dod” won the tournament (she was then only 15 years and 285 days, and she is still the youngest Wimbledon champion).