Photos: Courtesy Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic in an exciting five sets. More than four and a half hours of a thrilling game made the Spaniard a part of a select group of members in Wimbledon. Now he’s a champion, the world number one will be able to visit the Cathedral of Tennis whenever he wants.
The tennis player comments “It’s great to be a member here, it’s such an iconic club. It’s very very special for me… I Have to bring the membership card,” he said funny “I know Roger Federer was troubled to get in without the card!” and continues “It’s really special to be a member of this amazing club. I will come out of the tournament for sure.”
Federer has received eight times the Gentlemen´s Singles Trophy at Wimbledon. He’s closely followed by Novak Djokovic, who couldn’t match him this year and continues with seven titles as William Renshaw and Pete Sampras, next come Bjorn Borg and Laurie Doherty with five trophies.
The surprises didn’t stop and Markéta Vondroušová became the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon, beating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur.
“On grass, I didn’t play well before. I think it was the most impossible Grand Slam for me to win, so I didn’t even think of it. When we came, I was just like, try to win a couple of matches,” said the Czech Vondrousova. “Now this happened. It’s crazy.”
More than a centenary of traditions at Wimbledon
Last year the Centre Court celebrated a centenary. More than 100 years of tradition, exclusivity and luxury make this tournament the oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam event.
Royalty is closely associated with this competition, which is why the rules are so strict. One of the main traditions is the dress code for players and spectators. No matter who you are, you must comply with this code if you want to enjoy a great match at Wimbledon.
Tennis is internationally recognized as the white sport and, of course, the oldest stadium certainly supports this term. Players be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white, except female players who are allowed to solid, mid/dark-colored undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.
Specifically, Royal guests should be smartly dressed in suits, jacket, and tie; for ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them. At the end of day, guests will be able to have lunch, tea, and drinks in the Clubhouse.
The Centre Court is the main and has a first-class box, known as Royal Box, which has 74 dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs reserved for members of the Royal Family and a host of distinguished tennis-loving guests from all walks of life, invited by All England Club chairman.
Some of this year’s guests were Roger Federer and his wife, Lindsey Vonn, David Beckham and his mother, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert.
From the world of film were Emma Watson, Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig, Lily James, and Rachel Weisz. Royalty present included were Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Prince Michael of Kent, King Felipe VI of Spain, and of course the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Strawberries and cream are also part of this historic tradition, eaten throughout all day and all the time as they are official food of the tournament. Legend has it that it was King George V who introduced them to the championship.
Picnics are frequent on the Hill, the place where many fans who don’t have Centre Court tickets meet to enjoy the matches on a giant screen, sitting on the grass of the most famous slope.
In addition to these customs, the Ball Boys and Ball Girls, known as BBGs, are carefully trained.
This year, the HRH Princess of Wales and Roger Federer spent a few hours with the youngsters and recognized the hard work that they do in each game. To know this demanding training, both participated in some of the tasks carried out by this select group to offer an impeccable Wimbledon Championship.
Each position has a key, when a BBG doesn’t have the ball, they should put both hands in front of them so that the player knows that he must go to another.
In the case of throwing balls, they should roll them on the grass one behind the other. As soon as they make eye contact with the player, they should show the balls and throw one at a time, two thirds of the distance.
Between points they should have the towel in one hand and the balls in the other. Part of the importance of these youngsters is posture, concentration, discipline, and respect. They must also be prepared to control their nerves and not be intimidated by the big players, who sometimes have a bad temper.
And finally, the first match on Centre Court was played on lawn surface and the most unforgettable tournaments of the white sport have been played on grass.
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