On the minds of tennis lovers around the world are the princely grass courts, white attire and Pimm’s that accompany the hallmark Wimbledon event. Hosted by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet ClubSet, Wimbledon brings a class and heritage of traditions unmatched by any sporting atmosphere. As such, the demand for a single ticket to the tournament which starts this June 30th fetches a considerable price. For those aspiring to watch live, the tournament shares a long-standing tradition of issuing the public discounted tickets via the public ballot. First launched in 1924, the public ballot acts a lottery system where about 10% of applicants receive the chance to purchase tickets, ranging from 60 dollars for the 1st day of matches to a supposed 350 dollars per person for a Final (converted from British pounds today). Otherwise, those left empty-handed from the ballot can succeed in entering the grounds by the “queue.” This arrangement involves an early trip to the Wimbledon grounds - most likely 5AM - to line up for the limited quantity of tickets sold per day.
Considering one is lucky to attend, they should be prepared to indulge in the unique and perhaps iconic culture of Wimbledon. First, spectators should absolutely drink Pi,,’s - a classic British cocktail fused with fruits, mint and a splash of gin. The drink represents a concoction perfect for the sunny outdoor sporting event. With the left hand carrying Pimm’s, the right hand might be smart to grab a pair of strawberries and cream. Viewed as the staple diet of Wimbledon, the tradition of strawberries and cream date back to the first year of Wimbledon in 1877. Furthermore, if you have the means, bring a blanket for Aorangi Terrance, now informally referred to as Murray Mound. The grassy hill acts as a principle ground for people looking to picnic and watch Centre Court matches on television.
As for the athletes, fans should take note of Carlos Alvarez’ stellar year in the professional tennis circuit. Coming off an astounding victory at this year’s Roland Garros (French Open), the Spaniard is viewed as finalist material alongside current world number one ranked, Jannik Sinner. As for the ladies, the 27-year old Aryna Sabalenka, winner of last year’s U.S. Open and Australian Open, is seen as the heavy favorite followed by the rising American star Coco Gauff.
Whether you’re watching from inside Centre Court or back at home, Wimbledon is the premier event of the summer and one not to be missed.