 "image")
What is Wimbledon?
The Championships or the Wimbledon as it is commonly known is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered as the most prestigious. The tournament has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877.
Wimbledon is one the four Grand Slam tournaments and is the only one played on a grass court considered as the classic tennis court. The other tournaments are Australian Open, French Open, and the US open.
The tournament is held from the first week of July.
Wimbledon traditions
The Wimbledon traditions include a strict all-white dress code for competitors and royal patronage. Traditionally, strawberries and cream are consumed at the tournament. In 2017, 34,000 kg of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream were consumed by the fans during the tournament.
One of the notable features of the tournament is the absence of on-court display of sponsors except for Rolex, which provides timekeeping technology during matches. The other exception is Robinsons barley water.
The 2020 edition of the tournament had to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was the first cancellation since World War II.
Trophies and prize money
The Gentlemen’s Singles champion receives a silver gilt cup, which is 18.5 inches in height and 7.5 inches in diameter. The trophy has been awarded since 1887 and bears the inscription “All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World”. The original trophy remains the property of the All England Club and is kept in their museum. The winner of the tournament is awarded with a replica of the cup bearing names of all the past champions.
The Ladies’ Singles champion is presented with a sterling silver salver commonly known as the “Venus Rosewater Dish”, or simply “Rosewater Dish”. The actual trophy remains with the All England Club and the winner receives a miniature replica of the trophy.