Fun facts you should know about Wimbledon Championships

As the world’s oldest tennis tournament, the Wimbledon Championships have evolved to become one of the most prestigious Grand-Slam tournaments. Here are some fun facts about it!

Roger Federer plays during Day 7 of the Wimbledon Championship 2017 in London, Britain on July 10, 2017.

Grass Courts

Andy Murray competes during the men's singles second round match at the Championship Wimbledon 2017 in London, Britain, on July 5, 2017.

Venus Williams competes against Wang Qiang during the women's singles second round match at the Championship Wimbledon 2017 in London, Britain, on July 5, 2017.

Among the four major tournaments taking place throughout the year, Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament to be played on grass. In total, there are 18 Championships grass courts here.

Centre Court

Serena Williams competes with Garbine Muguruza during the women's singles final on Centre Court in Wimbledon, Britain on July 11, 2015.

Among the many grass courts in Wimbledon, the Centre Court is the all-star court where finals matches are scheduled to be played. As the main court of Wimbledon tournament, it includes a premier box which is also known as the Royal Box for regal family members and other distinguished guests.

With a retractable roof, Centre Court enables games to continue even if it rains.

No.1&2&3 Court

File photo showing No.1 Court during 2012 London Olympics.

Built in 1997, the current No. 1 Court boasts a spectator capacity of 11,432. It has been confirmed that a retractable roof is to be built over No.1 Court.

The original No. 2 Court, which has been renumbered as No.3 Court since 2009, was informally referred to as the Graveyard of Champions. This tag was coined as many former champions fell to ignominious defeats on the No. 2 Court, including Serena and Venus Williams.

White attire

Tomas Berdych communicates with Novak Djokovic after their men's singles quarterfinal during Wimbledon Championship 2017 in London, Britain on July 12, 2017.

As a tennis tournament with long history, Wimbledon Championships has its own dress code. According to its official website,

the “almost entirely in white rule” was brought in 1995, indicating that competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white from the moment they enter the court surround.

Winners’ trophies

Andy Murray kisses the trophy during the awarding ceremony for the men's singles final at the Championships Wimbledon 2016 in London, Britain, on July 10, 2016.

Serena Williams celebrates with her trophy after the women's singles final at the Championships Wimbledon 2016 in London, Britain on July 9, 2016.

The trophy for the men’s singles at Wimbledon is topped by a unique pineapple design. A possible explanation would be that back in 17th-century England pineapples were one of the most sought-after commodities! Meanwhile, the trophy for ladies’ singles, also known as the Rosewater Dish, is richly decorated with mythological elements.

Rain check necessary

People are leaving as a rain shower presses the pause button on the business of tennis on all courts other than Centre Court which is equipped with a retractable roof, on July 3 2012.

It often rains during Wimbledon tournament and rainfall can result in delays or postponements, which is also part of the tradition at Wimbledon. So keep an eye on the weather and always bring an umbrella.

Henman Hill

File photo shows spectators sitting on Henman Hill while watching the game on the big screen during 2012 London Olympics.

Why not enjoy the partisan atmosphere by joining the crowd on Henman Hill? It is a grassy bank outside No.1 Court where people sit and watch matches on a big screen. Picnics are common, and don’t forget Wimbledon’s favourite food: fresh strawberries and cream!

The balcony

Andy Murray celebrates with the trophy on the balcony outside centre court after winning the men's singles final at the Championships Wimbledon 2016 in London, Britain, on July 10, 2016.

It is a tradition in Wimbledon for winners to show off the trophies to the public on the balcony outside Centre Court. The walk from the Competitors’ Dressing Room to the balcony might be regarded as the greatest walk in tennis!

The Royal Family and Celebrities

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, watches the men's singles first round match during Day 1 of the Championship Wimbledon 2017 at Wimbledon, London, Britain on July 3, 2017.

As the saying goes:“You're not a true celeb if you haven't been to Wimbledon.” So look out for famous faces in the Royal Box and at courtside. This year, the Duchess of Cambridge attended the Championships on the opening day to cheer on Andy Murray, British tennis player who currently ranked world No. 1 in men's singles.

The Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by a player during the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, in London, Britain, June 24, 2010.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)