History of Wimbledon tennis tournament

Wimbledon Championship, often referred to as Wimbledon, is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.

The name of the tournament originated from where it was held since 1877 as Wimbledon , suburb of London. The All England club was chosen as the venue for the tournament. In four Grand Slam tournaments, only Wimbledon was held on the grass, others were held on hard courts and clay ground. The Wimbledon Championship takes place over two weeks, starting from the end of June to the beginning of July. Before Wimbledon is the Australian Open tennis tournament (held on hard courts). The French Open tennis tournament (held on clay ground) and the US Open is also on the hard court held after Wimbledon.

History and origins of the Wimbledon Championship

A private club called All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club was born in 1868 based in Worple Street, Wimbledon. The grass tennis game was invented by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield in 1873. Tennis on the pitch is one of the club's activities in 1875. After that, the club was renamed The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club in 1877. As soon as the club's name is changed, the Tennis Championship is started. So, a new set of rules for this tournament. In 1877, the title of the Men's Singles Championship - the only tennis event held that year - belonged to Spencer Gore. This event attracted about 200 spectators and the ticket price to see the final at that time was only a si-dong.

Picture 1 of History of Wimbledon tennis tournament
Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.

Various sports activities took place at The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club until 1882. Later when the tennis on the grass was decided to be the only activity of the club, from croquet it was cut off the name of the club. However, not wanting to hurt people's feelings for the club, from the croquet was restored to the club's name in 1899, this time, with a small change in speech - Club The set is now called The All England Lawn Tennis and the Croquet Club (briefly called Club).

The first women's tennis event

The women's singles event began in 1884. Initially there were only 13 participants in the tournament and the first single-female winner was Maud Watson. In the same year the men's doubles event was also held and the Oxford University Tennis Club was the sponsor of the tournament. Last time, the Wimbledon Championship has been more popular. The equipment for spectators serving the audience has also been much improved. Temporary accommodation for athletes has been built into permanent housing. More and more people came to the stadium in the 1880s.

The matches with the British twins Ernest and William Renshaw always attracted a large audience because they were excellent players at the time, they spent a total of 13 titles. (including the title of singles and duels) between 1881 and 1889. However, the public's affection for the tournament was no longer warm in the 1890s. It was not until 1897 that the public began to love tennis again with the arrival of the legendary Doherty brothers Laurie and Reggie at Wimbledon tournaments. For the next decade, Wimbledon was the domination of the Doherty brothers.

Picture 2 of History of Wimbledon tennis tournament
The women's singles event began in 1884.

The winners come from abroad

At the beginning of the 20th century, foreign players began to win at Wimbledon and one of the first foreign players to win the Wimbledon title was May Sutton of the United States in 1905. Soon Sutton continued to win more. another victory at Wimbledon in 1907. Also this year, Australian tennis player Norman Brookes also made history when he became the first foreign player to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon.

Reconstruction and relocation

To meet the increasing demand of the audience, the equipment has been greatly improved before World War I and larger construction plans are also planned. The courtyard was also rebuilt and relocated to the new site in Church Road in 1922. The new stadium was built with a capacity of up to 14,000 spectators.

Wimbledon during the Second World War

The Club's facilities have been used to build civil defense posts and military garages, including fire and ambulance services. In addition, a detox unit has also been set up in Club facilities. The main waiting room is used by the army in the vicinity of the Club. A small farm was established around. The central courtyard became a bomb store. So it can be said that Wimbledon has faced a collapse in wartime.

Picture 3 of History of Wimbledon tennis tournament
Wimbledon has emerged as one of the world's leading and recognized tennis tournaments.

Post World War II

Everything returned to normal after World War II. In 1945, from June and July, a series of Wimbledon matches was reorganized on the 1st Course, the only one left unspoiled by war. In August, the final rounds of the European and American Championships took place. War restoration plans were carried out but it was not until 1949 that things returned to normal as before.

Today's Wimbledon Championship

Wimbledon has emerged as one of the world's leading and recognized tennis tournaments. The All England Lawn Tennis Club still serves as the tournament organizer. Over time, the quality of the tournament has improved. The number of seats for the audience is also higher. Wimbledon has grown as one of the most prestigious brands.