Even for those who have never been fans, resisting tennis fever this year is a very difficult task. Luca Guadagnino started it with his Challengersa love triangle born between rackets, then came Jannik Sinner and the unstoppable climb up the rankings that brought him, the first Italian in history, to the top of the world rankings, gave the final blow Jasmine Paolini, the first compatriot to reach the final at Wimbledon and the magnificent tennis of Enrico Musetti with lots of tears and passionate dedications.
Be invited to follow one of the most prestigious and oldest tennis tournaments in the world (It was founded in 1877 and is the only Grand Slam tournament still played on grass) from the brand that is a bit of a symbol of it and that has been a sponsor of the competition for 19 years (its official uniforms for referees, ball boys and field staff), it is an unforgettable experienceAnd.
The arrival
I arrive at Heathrow Airport on a Sunday morning on the first plane out of Milan. The weather is typically English: big clouds in the sky and a continuous dance between rain and sun. In half an hour I am in Wimbledon. The quiet and verdant neighborhood on the outskirts of London is waking up, the gates of the legendary All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club are still closed, but people are already starting to arrive.
At 10.30 the doors of what is one of the symbols of tennis history open wide. I am welcomed into the Ralph Lauren suite, the living room of the historic brand just a stone’s throw from the Centre CourtSome of the most important stars of the international scene have passed through here Zendaya to Glenn Close, from Pierce Pierce Brosnan to Alexa Chung and many morei. It is a thrill to relax in the elegant lounge among designer armchairs, elegantly set tables, green and white chairs, a riot of white hydrangeas, a bar that prepares sophisticated cocktails and true tennis enthusiasts.
Around Wimbledon
Today luck smiled on us and on the court there are Jasmine Paolini and Jannik Sinner. She will lose the final and he will have to abandon in the quarterfinals, but we don’t know yet and the Italian athletes will make us dream. Before the matches, however, there is time to take a walk.
The streets are filled with spectators milling around with a mixture of tension and excitement. Fans crowd around the secondary courts, 18 in all, hoping to see some champions during the warm-up.
But beyond the courts, there are plenty of shops, a museum dedicated to the history of the tournament and the “Henman Hill”, now also called “Murray Mound”, a grassy mound, north of Court 1, which has become one of the most popular spots over the decades. Many fans who do not have tickets for the more prestigious courts perch on the hill and watch the games on the big screen, amid cheers and applause and a festive picnic atmosphere.
Among the stores there is the official Ralph Lauren one which offers a wide range of clothing and accessories inspired by tennis and Wimbledonopen only during the tournament, you can buy exclusive items, ranging from classic polos to technical tennis clothing. The brand’s collection, which has helped strengthen Wimbledon’s image as a symbol of elegance and prestige, celebrates the style of tennis, offering items that can be worn both on and off the court.
Then there is the Wimbledon Shop which offers a wide range of official tournament items. But also other shops where you can buy books on the history of tennis, iconic images, many of which are autographed by the champions. For the most passionate there is also the boutique that sells official tournament balls and special collector’s packages.
The Wimbledon History Museum
A must-see is the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, which opened in 1977 and offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Wimbledon and tennis. Its exhibits include a wide range of memorabilia, from trophies to clothing worn by champions, to the rackets used in iconic moments. The museum is equipped with interactive technologies that allow for an immersive experience.
The matches
After an exploratory tour and a quick lunch in Ralph Lauren’s suite, it’s time to go to the centre court to watch the challenge of Carlos Alcaraz (who will ultimately be judged on the trophy) against the Frenchman Ugo Humbert. The position is fantastic, just to the right of the Royal box where Kate Middleton will watch the final (greeted by an ovation), in her second official outing since the announcement of her illness. The atmosphere is tense, the cheering is lively but disciplined. During the game, a religious silence reigns, it almost seems as if the spectators, while following the powerful exchanges, are holding their breath. Nothing must disturb the concentration of the challengers, the public is attentive and super respectful. Only in the breaks between one game and another can you hear applause, encouragement, shouts.
The match is hard fought and in a break there’s time to sip a glass of Pimm’s. A classic British drink, always in the hands of match spectators, is a blend of gin, fruit, lemonade and a splash of mint. As Emanuela, who is revealing all the secrets of Wimbledon to me, explains to me, it helps to enter even more into the spirit of the place. As well as essential they are strawberries with creamanother symbol of the competition. A tradition that dates back to the end of the nineteenth century, given that in 1881 a chronicler of the Telegraph wrote: “Just before the start of the final, the refreshment pavilion had completely emptied… for strawberries and cream.”
After Alcaraz’s victory, which anticipates his triumph, it’s time to move to court one, where a sensational Jannik Sinner will earn access to the quarterfinals. Seeing a tennis legend so close up, who is making our country passionate about a sport normally considered niche, is an indescribable emotion. Just like this day in the temple of tennis, among enthusiasts, curious people, celebrities, all united by the love of a unique and engaging sport.
Source: Vanity Fair
I’m Susan Karen, a professional writer and editor at World Stock Market. I specialize in Entertainment news, writing stories that keep readers informed on all the latest developments in the industry. With over five years of experience in creating engaging content and copywriting for various media outlets, I have grown to become an invaluable asset to any team.
