Wimbledon has a spark which makes it stand out

The Championships, Wimbledon, deemed “the most important tournament of them all” by three-time champion Boris Becker, is undeniably special. Held annually at London’s SW19, the All England Lawn Tennis Club is widely regarded the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and is famously the only grand slam still played on grass – considered the most classic and alluring surface. Wimbledon has a spark which makes it stand out from not only the other events in the tennis world, but in sporting history altogether.

Unfortunately, for the first time since World War II, Wimbledon was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. First held in 1877, Wimbledon is still the world’s oldest tennis tournament and has become iconic due to its numerous historical traditions. For instance, it has a very signature look, consisting of recognisable green and purple colours and smart logos. It also uses the same high-brand official suppliers every year, such as Rolex, HSBC and Ralph Lauren, which enables the club to retain its unique image and character.

Other traditions include a strict all white attire rule for players. The club’s famous strawberries and cream dish has also become internationally recognised and during the fortnight nearly 30,000 kilograms of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream are eaten. Altogether, Wimbledon has found the perfect balance between respectfully preserving its distinctive traits whilst also moving with the times to stay relevant. Few other events have done this so seamlessly.

Visiting Wimbledon is special as it offers a sophisticated and refined day out

Wimbledon is widely considered to be the world’s most prestigious and premier tennis tournament. Everything at the spectacle is state of the art, such as its beautifully kept grounds, efficient staff and immaculate hospitality areas. In 2013, Wimbledon unveiled its ‘Master Plan’ which aims to improve the Championships over the next 10-15 years by improving facilities and expanding its area. Evidently, it prioritises maintaining its leadership in the sporting world.

Visiting Wimbledon is special as it offers a sophisticated and refined day out, complete with well-groomed guests and famous stars from all over the world. SW19 offers a civilised visit and has an appealing laid back style. You have the freedom to walk around the grounds at one’s leisure and choose which games you would be most interested in watching. This makes for a truly enjoyable atmosphere and relaxed visit.

Not only guests appreciate the splendour of the tournament but players also hold a high level of respect and privilege when competing. The name of the two main events reflect this by being labelled, ‘Gentlemen’s and Ladies’, not the standard men and women. Two-time semi-finalist Kim Clijsters said “it’s just so special, nothing can compare to the history you feel when you are about to step on Centre Court at Wimbledon.” Likewise, Martina Navratilova described playing at Wimbledon to be “like coming home.”

Wimbledon beautifully pays homage to its historical roots

Some say that winning at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, as opposed to any other tournament, is what truly makes you a tennis legend. Martina Navratilova, arguably the greatest women player ever, said, “Wimbledon is like a drug. Once you win it for the first time, you feel you’ve just got to do it again and again and again.” The All England Lawn Tennis Club honours winners with some of the most glamorous trophies in the sport, alongside generous prize money sums of over £2 million for each gentlemen and ladies’ winners. For a professional tennis player, winning Wimbledon is the pinnacle of their career,

However, some of Wimbledon’s success can arguably be attributed to a number of factors which help it to receive so much media attention. For instance, the tournament takes place at a time of year which traditionally lacks many other large sporting events, meaning there is less competition. Likewise, Wimbledon is notably popular among members of the royal family and countless other famous figures, which unsurprisingly gains heavy media coverage and boosts the status of the event.

Nevertheless, the success of Wimbledon ultimately goes far beyond such reasons. Having worked at the tournament myself, I have witnessed firsthand how it is the impressive professionalism of the All England Tennis Club itself which is responsible for the tournament’s success. It has an elegant grace which is unique for most sporting events at present and beautifully pays homage to its historical roots. This is what makes Wimbledon so special in an ever-changing world of sport.