Wimbledon 2023: Tennis's Oldest Tournament Begins Tomorrow with INR 465 Crore Prize Money; Fascinating Facts Unveiled

Wimbledon, the prestigious and oldest tennis tournament, is set to commence tomorrow at the All England Club in London. This year marks the 136th edition of the tournament, which has been held for 146 years, with exceptions during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Regarded as one of the four Grand Slam events in tennis, Wimbledon holds a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike.

Let's explore some intriguing facts about Wimbledon:

Prize Money: Wimbledon has been awarding prize money since 1968, making it one of the first tournaments to do so. This year, the total prize money amounts to approximately INR 465 crore, with both the men's and women's singles champions receiving around INR 24.49 crore, and the runners-up earning INR 12.25 crore each. Compared to 2022, there is an 11% increase in prize money.

Tradition of Grass Courts: Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam played on grass courts. This tradition has been upheld since the tournament's inception in 1877. The Australian Open and the US Open are played on hard courts, while the French Open takes place on clay courts. The choice of grass courts stems from the sport's origins, as tennis was initially played on grass.

All-White Dress Code: Wimbledon is known for its strict dress code. Players are required to wear entirely white attire while participating in matches. Despite protests in 2022, the tournament has maintained its traditional white dress code. This rule applies to both male and female players.

Ball Boys and Ball Girls: The presence of ball boys and ball girls, known as BBGs (Ball Boy/Girls), adds to the unique atmosphere of Wimbledon. Since 2005, BBGs have worked in teams of six, with two positioned near the net and four in the corners. Their responsibilities include retrieving balls and delivering them to the players. BBGs have been a part of the championship since the 1920s-30s, and they are selected through a nomination process led by school principals.

Strawberries and Cream: It is a long-standing tradition at Wimbledon to serve strawberries and cream to spectators. Additionally, British wines are also offered to enhance the experience for those attending the tournament.

Royal Family Connection: Wimbledon has shown great respect for the royal family throughout its history. Previously, players used to bow their heads when entering and leaving the court as a gesture of respect to the royal family members present in the royal box. In 2003, the tradition was altered, and players now only bow when the Prince or Queen of Wales is in attendance.

Trophy and Replica: The Wimbledon men's singles champion receives a trophy that has remained unchanged since 1887. The original cup, standing at 18.5 inches tall and 7.5 inches wide, is displayed in the museum of the All England Club, while the champion is presented with a replica bearing the names of past winners. The women's singles champion is awarded a sterling silver salver, or plate-shaped trophy, adorned with idols of gods and goddesses.

Hawk to Ward Off Pigeons: To maintain a pigeon-free environment, Wimbledon employs a Harris Hawk named Rufus. Rufus has been patrolling the grounds for the past 15 years, successfully deterring pigeons from entering the court area. Rufus is considered an important member of the Wimbledon family.

Organized by the All England Club: Wimbledon stands out among the Grand Slam tournaments as it is not organized by a National Tennis Association but by the All England Club. Founded in 1868 as the All England Tennis and Croquet Club, the club began hosting the Wimbledon tournament in 1877. It currently operates as a private club with approximately 500 members, and it is owned by Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, the Princess of Wales.

Grand Slam Calendar: Wimbledon is the third Grand Slam event in the annual tennis calendar. The Australian Open kicks off the year in January, followed by the French Open in May and June, Wimbledon in July, and the US Open in August and September. The US Open concludes the Grand Slam season.

As the Wimbledon Championships begin, tennis enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate the thrilling matches and memorable moments that this historic tournament will bring.