10 Wimbledon Traditions That You Should Know About

Dress Code

Players must adhere to a strict dress code of predominantly white clothing. The All-England Club takes this rule very seriously. The rule has only gotten more strict over the years

A similar tradition, though nowhere near as long-running, is drinking Pimm’s at Wimbledon. Pimm’s made its debut at the tournament in 1971 and has been a popular choice ever since

Pimm's

Strawberries & Cream

Spectators and players are offered strawberries and cream as the typical stand food at the tournament. This is a major Wimbledon tradition

It does not have any sponsor advertising around the courts. The Club has always sought to retain the unique image and character of the Championships by not overtly commercializing the grounds

Advertisement-Free Courts

The Queue

Spectators often queue overnight for a chance to get tickets to the matches on the day

This is the only Grand Slam which is patronized by a Royal Family. The Queen of Britain is the sponsor of the All England Club and often visits Wimbledon and meets the players

The Royal Family

The winners of the gentlemen’s events were awarded with much more money than the winners of the ladies’ events. Later, Wimbledon changed this policy, and started awarding the same amount  to both men and women

Prize Money

At Wimbledon, the ball boys and girls are known as BBGs and play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the tournament

The BBGs

Wimbledon grass has been cut to 8mm, following research stating this is the optimum height for present day play and survival during the tournament

Grass Court

Middle Sunday

Traditionally a day of rest, with no matches played unless rain delays the schedule

Even after all these years and unlike other tennis tournaments, Wimbledon still references the men’s and women’s events as ‘gentlemen’s’ and ‘ladies’ events

Ladies  and Gentlemen

Rufus served as a bird deterrent to keep pigeons away from the courts. His presence helps maintain a peaceful environment for players and spectators alike during matches

Rufus The Hawk