5 reasons we’re excited about Wimbledon

20 April 2017 by
First published: 30 April 2016

One of the sporting highlights of the summer is just around the corner! Here’s 5 reasons we’re excited about Wimbledon

Nothing says British summer quite like Wimbledon. It’s the oldest tennis tournament in the world and winning it is the ultimate goal for tennis stars across the globe. Every year sees fans of all nationalities head to SW19 to watch their sporting heroes battle it out to win the Grand Slam title. This year’s tournament, which is taking place from Monday 27th June to Sunday 10th July, will no doubt be full of extraordinary wins, shocking losses and tantalising moments from start to finish. Here are 5 reasons we’re excited about Wimbledon…

Wimbledon champs

Every year, Wimbledon churns out exceptional champions in the world of tennis, prominent figures and fresh-faced players alike. We can always look forward to fantastic performances by our favourite faces – Serena Williams, Andy Murray, Petra Kvitova and Novak Djokovic to name a few. Their form and finesse captivates the world as we watch them make sporting history year upon year without fail. However, Wimbledon is nothing if not unpredictable. Champions can easily make shocking exits early in the competition, as others rise from the ashes to seize victory. It’s so exciting to see how the two weeks will turn out and whether the favourites or the underdogs will reign supreme!

Murray Mount

Murray Mount, Henman Hill…call it what you will. It’s definitely fun to watch tennis matches at Wimbledon on the court, but nothing can compare to watching on the big screen on Aorangi Terrace. Relaxing alongside hundreds of other tennis fans, (hopefully) soaking in the sun, laying on the grass with a glass of Pimm’s in hand – it’s the absolute epitome of the glorious British summer. The atmosphere on Murray Mount is truly special and definitely something that you have to experience if you’re going to Wimbledon for the first time. Just make sure you come prepared with an umbrella and a raincoat just in case!

Strawberries and cream

Other than the tennis, the other thing that Wimbledon is arguably most famous for is its annual tradition of eating ridiculous amounts of strawberries and cream. When you start to see punnets of strawberries popping up in supermarkets, then you know Wimbledon is well and truly on its way. It’s such a simple delicacy, yet so scrumptious at the same time. Plus, teamed with a jug of Pimm’s (to share, obvs), you really can’t go wrong.

Tennis fever

Just because Wimbledon is all about the pros, it doesn’t mean that they get to have all the fun! Dust off your tennis racket, head to the park and hit a few rallies with your friends on a sunny afternoon. There’s something faintly nostalgic about playing sports outside with friends during the summer, as it’s something we took for granted when we were younger. Take advantage of the sun while you can (as we all know how temperamental it can be) and rediscover a love of tennis that you may have neglected over the years. Who knows: you may have more talent for tennis than you realise?

The unexpected

One thing’s for sure about Wimbledon – anything could happen. In 2010, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, then ranked No. 19 and No. 148 respectively, played a match lasting 11 hours and 5 minutes, the longest match ever recorded in the history of tennis. In 2004, aged just 17, Maria Sharapova caused a major upset by beating defending champion Serena Williams to win her first Grand Slam singles title. Who knows what will happen at this year’s Championships? The possibilities are endless! However, we can guarantee that you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat with your heart racing as you watch the tennis matches unfold.