Tennis is a sport usually played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). The modern game of tennis originated in Birmingham, England in the late 19 th century as "lawn tennis" Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all ages.
The Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon (25 June – 8 July in 2012), is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, considered by many to be the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877.
• • • ü ü Main events Gentlemen's Singles (128 draw) Ladies' Singles (128 draw) Gentlemen's Doubles (64 draw Ladies' Doubles (64 draw) Invitation events Mixed Doubles (48 draw) v Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles Junior events Boys' Singles (64 draw) Girls' Singles (64 draw) Boys' Doubles (32 draw) Girls' Doubles (32 draw) v Senior Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles v Ladies' Invitation Doubles v Gentlemen's Wheelchair Doubles v Ladies' Wheelchair Doubles
There are 4 Wimbledon courts. The principal court, Centre Court, was opened in 1922. The second most important court is No. 1 Court. The court was constructed in 1997. Each year, the tournament begins on the Monday falling between 20 and 26 June. Wimbledon is scheduled for 13 days, beginning on a Monday and ending on a Sunday with the middle Sunday a designated rest day.
v Wimbledon traditions include a strict dress code for competitors v the eating of strawberries and cream by the spectators v Royal patronage v The tournament is also notable for the absence of sponsor advertising around the courts v Ball boys and girls, known as BBGs.
Dark green and purple (mauve) are the traditional Wimbledon colours. Green clothing until the 2005 Championships; beginning with the 2006 Championships, everyone dressed in new navy blue- and cream-coloured uniforms from American designer Ralph Lauren.
Some of the following catchphrases are used whilst Radio Wimbledon is broadcasting: • "Keeping you on the ball: Radio Wimbledon, 87. 7 FM" • "Radio Wimbledon: It's Game, Set and Match for Tennis Coverage on 87. 7 FM" • "Radio Wimbledon: First for Results, Interviews, Expert Comment, News, Weather and Travel. It's all on 87. 7 FM" For over 70 years, the BBC has broadcast the tournament on television in the UK, starting in 1937.
The trophy(a silver gilt cup) has been awarded since 1887 and bears the inscription: "All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World. " The Ladies' Singles champion receives a sterling silver salver commonly known as the "Venus Rosewater Dish", or simply the "Rosewater Dish"
