Wimbledon, or "The Championships," is one of the four Grand Slam professional tennis tournaments played annually. Fans, players and members of the media generally consider the tournament to be the most prestigious one of them all. Wimbledon takes place over a span of two weeks from late-June to early-July. The event is concluded when a winner emerges in both the Ladies' and Gentlemen's Singles Final. The Ladies' Single's Final occurs on the second Saturday and the Gentlemen's transpires the following afternoon on Sunday. Wimbledon remains the only tournament played on natural grass.
Wimbledon's Beginnings
According to Wimbledon.org, "The Championships" have been held at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in the London suburb of Wimbledon since 1877 when the first lawn tennis championship was played there. Five years later, management decided to shed "Croquet" from its official title. However, in 1899 the entire name was restored and it has been hailed as "The All England Tennis and Croquet Club" ever since.
Premier Tennis Tournament
By the turn of the century, Wimbledon's allure and fame grew and it became an international sporting event. Wimbledon, the most decorated tennis tournament in the world, celebrated its centenary in 1977.
Changes
The website TennisTheme.com notes that the only Wimbledon event initially staged was the men's singles. However, in 1884 women's singles and men's doubles were added to "The Championships." Due to its antiquity, The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has been forced to undergo a number of renovations over the years. In 1979 and 1980, construction was completed to improve the overall venue and add additional seats. During that time, 2,338 seats were added to help meet the large audience demand. In 1992, the Centre Court North Building at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club underwent a mammoth overhaul that ultimately provided an extra 3,601 seats with an unrestricted view.
Wimbledon Records
American Pete Sampras and Englishman William Renshaw are tied with a record seven Gentlemen's Single's titles. Renshaw also holds the records for the most consecutive Gentlemen's Single's titles with six and the most overall (singles, doubles and mixed) championships with 14. Conversely, Czech-American Martina Navratilova captured the most Ladies' Singles championships in history with nine. Navratilova additionally won the most consecutive Ladies' Singles titles with six. Navratilova is tied at 20 with American Billie Jean King for the most cumulative triumphs at Wimbledon.
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