Reasons why Wimbledon is the most adored of all four Grand Slams in the tennis calendar

Reasons why Wimbledon is the most adored of all the four Grand Slams in the tennis calendar

Wimbledon is considered the most adored Grand Slam among the four in the tennis calendar. It is the oldest and prestigious tournament that has tradition, history, a prestigious environment and several other reasons which we will discuss here. 

It belongs to the "big four," which also include the US Open, French Open, and Australian Open. The All-England Club in Wimbledon, London, has served as its home base ever since 1877.

Wimbledon captures historical details like dramatically altering fashions, pony rollers used to keep the courts in top condition, the switch from black and white to colour TV broadcasts, the switch to yellow tennis balls, and a retractable roof, to name a few. 

Tradition

One aspect that distinguishes The Championships at Wimbledon from other competitions is tradition. From attire to marketing to the structure itself, the tournament is rich with traditions.

Over the years, many aspects of Wimbledon have largely not changed, and it is because of these traditions that Wimbledon has managed to maintain its unique identity; sometimes even more so than the sport of tennis! 

Historical reasons for Wimbledon's contemporary popularity

Wimbledon is one of the most anticipated sports events of all the major sports tournaments. Its current significance is also due to the political history of Britain.

British Empire had colonies spread over almost the entire globe from the USA in North America to parts of Africa South East Asia including India China to Australia as well.

Thus this colonial past of Britain is one of the historical reasons for its widespread popularity

Being the oldest and most traditionalistic in its approach, British colonial history and its rule practically everywhere in the world provide royalty not only from the United Kingdom but huge public figures all over the world.

Lawn tennis was first played in Britain around the time the lawn mower was invented. Modern-style grass courts, cricket ovals, fields, pitches, and greens were all used to play the game here. Lawn tennis was first played in Britain around the time the lawn mower was invented. Modern-style grass courts, cricket ovals, fields, pitches, and greens were all used to play the game here. 

Due to its rising popularity, people might even modify their own lawns to serve as tennis courts.

Oldest tennis Grand Slam 

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis grand slam founded in 1877 followed by US Open, French Open and Australian Open, in 1881, 1891, and 1905 respectively. 

Only tournament still played on grass 

It's the only major competition still played on grass courts as earlier, all the other Grand Slams other than French Open were played on grass. A particular style of play that emphasises grace, finesse, and well considered shots is required due to the surface's lush greenness. The only Grand Slam tournament that mandates a night curfew is Wimbledon, even though the matches can continue until 11 p.m. thanks to lights. 

Even if you are Lewis Hamilton, can't escape the strict dress code 

Wimbledon is very famous for its strict dress code for the players and the spectators. 

As soon as competitors enter the Wimbledon grounds, they must don only white clothing. From undergarments to practice attire, including caps, shoes and socks, everything is covered by this dress code. Support staff and medical assistants must also wear white attire. Players risk a fee if additional colours are apparent. 

In 2015, during the Wimbledon Championships game, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was denied the men's final entry between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic following the dress code violation.

British Royal family gracing the Royal Box

The Princess of Wales, who has served as the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s royal patron since 2016, frequently frequents SW19 as part of the British Royal Family’s long-standing connection to Wimbledon.

Even Kate Middleton has been known to commit the occasional Wimbledon faux pa, and the renowned tennis tournament has throughout the years witnessed innumerable instances of royal protocol tradition. 

High-profile celebrities as spectators 

The oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon, is one of the most popular events in London throughout the summer. In addition to being a favourite of the British royal family, celebrities from all over the world are frequently spotted courtside.

Equal pay

For the first time ever, in 2007, the monetary prizes given to female winners were equal to those given to male winners. Although the other grand slams have also started paying equal but there are still a few tennis events which don't. However, US Open was the first Grand Slam to do so in 1973. 

The 100th anniversary of the women's game was celebrated with tremendous hoopla. The official Wimbledon guide was pink, there was a female military band, a female driving team, more ball girls than ball boys, and on the opening day of play, flowers were presented to every female player. 

Strawberry and Cream: a match made in Heaven 

The traditional Wimbledon celebration involves eating strawberries and cream to enjoy the biggest tennis tournament of the year. Fresh strawberries simply covered with fresh whipping cream signal the beginning of the British summer and that Wimbledon has arrived. 

A simple, delightful delicacy that requires no cooking and is steeped in tradition and history which have been served at Wimbledon since the first competition in 1877.  

It is believed that in the early 1900s, King George V brought strawberries and cream to Wimbledon for the first time. The reason behind it is that Strawberries were the only fruit on hand at the time, and it was supposedly very fashionable to eat strawberries at that time.   

One who wins the Wimbledon title becomes a permanent member of the club, can use it anytime 

The All England Club is one of the most elite clubs in the world, with a cap of only 375 full members and a total membership of a little over 500. It has five separate membership categories: junior, full, life, honorary, and temporary.

According to reports, there are approximately 1000 persons on the club's lengthy waiting list for membership. Every year, the Wimbledon champions are given honorary memberships; even though memberships are also available for purchase. 

About 75 of the more than 500 members are honorary members, mostly former Wimbledon champions and well-known people who have made major contributions to the sport. About 75 of the more than 500 members are honorary members, mostly former Wimbledon champions and well-known people who have made major contributions to the sport. 

Armed Forces Personnel

More than 450 military volunteers return on standby to act as stewards when Wimbledon gets underway, maintaining a tradition that dates back to 1946 when the Armed Forces helped the competition resume safely after World War II.

Centre Court

The most famous tennis court in the world is without a doubt Wimbledon's Centre Court. Since it first opened in 1922, Centre Court has stood out for its tranquil ambiance and utter lack of promotional signage , retaining its adoration for the competition's strictly sporting character.

-Defending champions open proceedings on Centre Court 

The defending champions step up on the grass to do the honours and open proceedings on the Centre Court. 

- Suffered bomb attack 

The Centre Court has its own history as it suffered a bomb attack during World War II. The Court wasn't fully prepared until the year 1949. 

Thus due to its history, distinctiveness and cultural significance, Wimbledon is considered the most esteemed Grand Slam among others even in present times.