18 Fun Facts About Wimbledon: The Most Anticipated Grand Slam of the Year!

Let’s be honest: did you know the traditional Wimbledon Tournament started with just 22 players and a crowd the size of a weekend pickup game in the park? That’s right — what is now the biggest competition in World Tennis began almost like a private event among elite friends — and yes, with a strict white dress code, because elegance has always been part of the tradition!

Today, the tournament is still played near London, in the UK, and it’s a serious affair! There are massive queues, strawberries with cream (which cost more than a decent lunch), and living legends battling for the coveted trophy.

The 2025 edition is about to begin, packed with matches from June 30 to July 13. In this guide, we’re sharing the most curious facts from Wimbledon’s 148-year history. Check them out!

1. The oldest tournament in the world

Wimbledon is practically one of the very first tennis tournaments — its first edition took place in 1877 with only 22 players and around 200 spectators (a far cry from today’s packed crowds!). Since then, it has been organized by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, a private club founded in 1868 — which makes it unique among Grand Slams, as most are run by national federations.

2. The greenest Grand Slam

Wimbledon is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, alongside the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open. But it’s the only one played on grass — that lush green surface that makes the game faster and adds a stylish flair.

3. White is the rule

No colorful outfits or wild patterns here — Wimbledon enforces a strict dress code: white only! That applies to clothing, accessories, and even the soles of shoes. This rule dates back to the 19th century, when tennis was played at high-society gatherings — and white clothing also conveniently hides sweat marks.

4. Strawberries and cream

Wimbledon isn’t just about tennis — strawberries with cream are a tournament staple! Since 1877, this combo has become almost an institution. During the two weeks of the tournament, around 30,000 kilograms of strawberries are consumed. And not just any strawberries: they’re handpicked the day before from farms in Kent and delivered fresh around 5 a.m.

5. Grass fit for a queen’s garden

Keeping the grass pristine is no small feat. Wimbledon has a team of over 50 professionals dedicated to lawn care, trimming it with surgical precision. On match days, the grass must be exactly 8 mm high. For the rest of the year, it grows a bit taller, up to 13 mm. This dedication ensures that matches are played on one of the world’s most perfect grass courts.

6. The longest match in history

If you think tennis is always a quick game, think again. In 2010, John Isner (USA) and Nicolas Mahut (France) played the longest match in tennis history: 11 hours and 6 minutes over three days! At the time, Wimbledon still followed the rule of no tiebreak in the final set — a rule that was only abolished in 2023.

7. The King of the Court: Roger Federer

When we talk about Wimbledon, it’s impossible not to think of Roger Federer. With eight titles, he is the most successful male player in the tournament’s history. The Swiss legend won his finals between 2003 and 2017, racking up a total of 101 match victories at Wimbledon.

8. The Hawk That Rules the Pigeon Patrol

Did you know Wimbledon has two pet hawks named Pollux and Rufus? They're released every morning at 9 a.m. to keep the courts free of pigeons and ensure the show isn’t interrupted by feathers or droppings.

9. The Legendary “Queue”

The line to get tickets for Wimbledon is so iconic that it even has an official name: “The Queue.” Since most tickets are distributed via ballot, die-hard fans camp out for days in advance, turning the line into an event of its own — complete with tents, costumes, and even custom traffic signs. Becoming a “queuer” is almost a yearly pilgrimage for many tennis lovers.

10. A Televised Tradition

Wimbledon was the first tennis tournament ever broadcast live on television, back in 1937. Since then, it has become one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, with finals that feel like spectacles — like the epic 2008 showdown between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, considered one of the greatest matches of all time.

11. Wimbledon Is Seriously Punctual

The tournament doesn’t happen on just any random date. It’s held every year exactly six weeks before the first Monday of August. The gates open at precisely 10:30 a.m. — after all, this is England, where punctuality is practically an unwritten law.

12. Advertising? Only the Essential and Subtle

Even though Wimbledon is a massive showcase for global brands, it’s a masterclass in elegance and visual restraint. Only a select few sponsors get visible branding, and even the logos on players’ outfits must be as small as possible. No giant billboards or flashy banners here — the goal is to preserve the “purity” of the event.

13. The Curse of Number 13

Wimbledon is superstitious and avoids the number 13 at all costs. That’s why none of the 19 courts carry that number — “Court 13” simply doesn’t exist on the tournament map! Ironically, in 2013, Britain’s own Andy Murray broke the “curse” by winning the title, bringing a bit of good luck back to the event.

14. Wimbledon Took a Hit — Literally

During World War II (1939–1945), Wimbledon was suspended, but the war still left its mark. When the tournament resumed in 1946, Centre Court was still partially closed off because a Nazi bomb had destroyed part of the stands.

15. The Endless Set Rule Is Gone

Until 2023, the final set at Wimbledon had no tiebreak — players had to win by two games, which led to insanely long matches like Isner vs. Mahut. Thankfully, the tournament has now adopted a final-set tiebreak to avoid never-ending marathons.

16. Royalty on the Court — and Defeated

Before becoming King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II’s father tried his luck in Wimbledon’s men’s doubles in 1926. As the Duke of York, he didn’t get very far — he was knocked out in the first round. Turns out not everyone is born to be a champion!

17. The Most Loyal Official Ball

From the very beginning, Slazenger has been the official ball supplier for Wimbledon — making it one of the longest-running partnerships in sports. Each year, more than 50,000 balls are custom-made to suit the tournament’s grass courts. Respectable balls for a respectable event!

18. The Queen of Grass: Martina Navratilova

When it comes to absolute dominance at Wimbledon, Martina Navratilova is simply untouchable. With no fewer than nine singles titles, she holds the record as the greatest female champion in the tournament’s history.

Now that you’re fully loaded with fun facts about the greatest tennis tournament in the world, how about putting that knowledge into action? Betting on Wimbledon 2025 with Blaze is the perfect way to feel the thrill of the most iconic Grand Slam of all time!

Get ready to cheer, feel the adrenaline, and of course, bet in style on Wimbledon 2025 — because with this much tradition and history, fun is guaranteed!