From 1876 to Present Day: The Exciting History of Wimbledon

Did you know that Wimbledon started out as a casual tennis tournament at one of the nation’s oldest croquet clubs?

The year was 1876, and lawn tennis, a game that had been invented by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield just a year earlier, was added to the list of sports at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Wimbledon gurus may be interested to know that Wimbledon initially wasn’t about tennis. In the late 19th century, lawn tennis was thought of as an exciting game that was ideal for croquet players.

Soared in popularity

As the game could easily be played on a croquet court, it grew massively in popularity amongst croquet players looking for a new sport.

Just one year after lawn tennis was first introduced at the club, the first Wimbledon Tournament was held. Spencer Gore, a well-known English cricketer, traded his bat for a tennis racket and won the tournament.

But did you know that in stark contrast to today’s packed stands, the first Wimbledon Tournament attracted a grand total of 200 enthusiastic spectators?

Croquet title dropped

Within five years, tennis had overtaken croquet at the club. Management dropped ‘croquet’ from the title and focused on developing the Wimbledon Tournament. In 1884, ladies’ tennis was added to the schedule, and the modern Wimbledon that we know and love was born.

New rules, games and televised

Over the years, Wimbledon grew in popularity and developed as a tournament. New games, such as mixed doubles, were introduced; along with rule changes and tweaks to the tournament’s formula.

In 1937, the tournament was broadcast on television for the first time, attracting a whole new audience to the budding sport of tennis.

And present day?

Today, Wimbledon is the tennis world’s biggest event: a star-studded event that’s known around the world for its fierce competition and regal atmosphere. Due to its steadfast refusal to update its customs, the club hosts the world’s only major tennis tournament played on grass lawns.

For the people of Wimbledon – the players, the spectators, and of course, the club itself – old-fashioned and traditional manners is just the way they like it. From strawberries and cream to Royal appearances, the history and traditions of Wimbledon are a big part of what makes the event so special.

This article was written by Wimbledon Debenture Holders; a leading supplier of corporate Wimbledon tickets. Visit their website now to learn more about tennis- the world’s biggest event.