Officially called ‘The Championship’ or Wimbledon, it is arguably the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. It’s the oldest out of the four Grand Slam tournaments, played since 1877 and also the only one, played on a grass court. Ever since 1877, it has been held annually in the same location – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
So many great men and women athletes have blessed fans with thrilling tiebreaks and exciting matchups year in and year out. We will dive a bit deeper into Wimbledon’s legend, overviewing celebrated champions, the format, as well as the history of the tournament. In addition, 7bet UK experts are going to highlight prize money for the 2025 edition of ‘The Championship’, discuss unique traditions, and so much more!
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Format
The Wimbledon tennis tournament consists of five main events, four junior events, and seven invitational events.
Main Events:
- Men’s Singles – 128 tennis players
- Women’s Singles – 128 tennis players
- Men’s Doubles – 64 pairs
- Women’s Doubles – 64 pairs
- Mixed Doubles – 48 pairs
Junior Events:
- Boys’ Singles – 64 tennis players
- Girls’ Singles – 64 tennis players
- Boys’ Doubles – 32 pairs
- Girls’ Doubles – 32 pairs
Matches in the Men’s Singles tournament are played to three winning sets. Men’s Doubles matches were reduced from three to two sets won beginning in 2023. All other events are played to a maximum of two winning sets. All main and junior events are held in a single-elimination format, with the winner advancing to the next round and the loser being eliminated.
The Men’s Singles tournament begins with 104 players, while the Women’s Singles tournament begins with 108 players. In addition, both tournaments receive eight wildcards, with the remaining spots filled through a pre-tournament qualification process.
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament History
Ever since the first tournament was held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, it became a staple of the tennis calendar. Wimbledon stands out from the rest of Grand Slam events by favouring fast-paced, serve-and-volley play.
One of the Most-Watched Tennis Events in the World
A history that spans nearly one and a half centuries is marked by both exhilarating ups and demoralising downs for crème de la crème in the world of tennis. More than half a million spectators are attracted to the courts each year, while over 50 million stream the event on TV or online.
Champions Throughout the History
Roger Federer is considered the ‘King of Wimbledon’, claiming 8 titles in the Men’s Singles division. Pete Sampras dominated the 1990s and collected 7, while Bjorn Borg managed to take home five wins in a row from 1976 to 1980. On the women’s side, Martina Navratilova is the female GOAT of Wimbledon, with 9 wins in her name, which she achieved between 1978 and 1990. Steffi Graff and Serena Williams are tied for 2nd with 7 titles apiece.
Same Place, Same Time Next Year?
In sports today, it’s rare to see so much appreciation towards tradition and history as Wimbledon does. Since the tournament’s inception, the venue hasn’t changed and has hosted the best tennis players in the world annually.
Back in 1922, the iconic Centre Court was built, and with the addition of a retractable roof in 2009, the Centre Court remained the spot for the biggest matches of the tournament.
It’s a testament to the historic roots of the tournament with a touch of modern comfort for spectators and athletes alike.
Rules & Traditions Set Wimbledon Apart
Even though all four Grand Slam events have their own gravity, Wimbledon has unique traditions that set it apart.
There’s the All-White dress code, which has been in effect since the 1880s. This is a distinct element of the games played because all leading athletes adhere to it, and fans also play a part in it. Players are only allowed minimal coloured trims or accents.
Furthermore, one mustn’t forget the love of strawberries and cream. Every year, a whopping 38 tons of this traditional dessert is consumed at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. A lovely touch from the organisers was fixing the dessert’s price at £2.50.
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Prize Money
Even though we’re all accustomed to seeing Grand Slam winners rake in millions of pounds or dollars, it wasn’t always like that.
Only in 1968 was prize money first allocated, with the total fund tallying £26,150. Out of that pot, the men’s champion received £2,000 while the women’s champion got much less – £750. Over time, by attracting new sponsors and more fans, the organisers increased the prize pool. Nowadays, we see prize money increase annually.
In the 2024 edition of Wimbledon, the prize fund reached a record £50,000,000. As is custom nowadays, Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles Champions are given equal amounts. In the 2024 tournament, Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova each earned £2,700,000.
Wimbledon Prize Money for 2025
It’s still unclear as to how big of a prize money pool the organisers will announce. However, in 2024, the prize fund represented an 11.86% increase from the previous year, with the singles champions’ earnings up by 14.89%. If we see a similar trend this year, Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles Champions could rake in over £3,000,000.
Wimbledon: Results
In the 2024 edition of the Tournament, there were plenty of exciting battles along with tremendous upsets that took the world of tennis by surprise.
Carlos Alcaraz defended his title in the Gentlemen’s Singles and became a back-to-back champion, defeating the almighty Novak Djokovic in a 3-set sweep 6–2, 6–2, 7–6(7–4). The Spaniards’ 4th Grand Slam made him the youngest man in the Open Era to win the Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same calendar year. Carlos Alcaraz completed the so-called Channel Slam.
On the women’s side, a true underdog but one of the most successful women’s doubles tennis players of recent years – a Czech national, Barbora Krejčíková clinched her first Wimbledon singles title and 2nd Grand Slam ever. The experienced Krejčíková overcame yet another strong competitor, Italian Jasmine Paolini, in three sets 6–2, 2–6, 6–4. The biggest upset in the Ladies’ Singles was the crash out of defending champion Markéta Vondroušová, losing in the very first round.
Prediction for the 2025 Wimbledon Results
For 2025, it’s hard to predict who will be the favourites, but early expert insights point to some names more than others. Carlos Alcaraz is one to be aware of on the men’s side. With consecutive Wimbledon titles, he will be a top favourite to dominate again. With seven Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic can’t be counted out, and Jannik Sinner started out 2025 in astounding fashion. These are your likely favourites for the Gentlemen’s crown.
Among the women, Aryna Sabalenka seems like an easy pick. Her powerful game hasn’t translated to a Wimbledon win yet, but maybe 2025 can be her year. In addition, Iga Swiatek is one more tennis superstar who’s yet to stun at Wimbledon, having much more success at the French Open and clay courts. Finally, Elena Rybakina, as well as the defending champion Barbora Krejčíková, come to mind, as you can never underestimate the heart of a champion!
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