1922: The Big Move
After a four year interruption for the First World War, Wimbledon resumed in 1919. In 1922, the tournament moved to its current location, Church Road, a larger setting, but still within the Wimbledon suburb of London.
Advert for Women's Tennis Skirts c.1919
The move coincided with various other changes. The All England Club (which does not move) first decided to finally adopt the name of ‘Wimbledon’, in place of the ‘Lawn Tennis Championships’. Then, the club organizers took the decision to  abolish the Challenge Round System. Wimbledon was the only tennis tournament to establish and maintain this system up till this time.
Finally, the 26 June 1922 marked the opening of the new Wimbledon stadium. Named ‘Central Court’, it had the distinction of being covered with ivy and of being the smallest stadium of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, U.S. Open). Its capacity does not exceed 13 000 seats.
Wimbledon Common c.1930's
The changes of 1922 did not hinder the development of the tournament. The number of visitors was constantly increasing (200 000 visitors in 1932). Wimbledon in the 1920’s was, like the rest of the world, dominated by French Tennis players. ‘The Musketeers’ (Jean Borotra, Jacques ‘Toto’ Brugnon, Henri Cochet, René Lacoste) and Suzanne Lenglen won 11 singles titles (6 for the 4 Musketeers and 5 for Lenglen).
Their exploits end abruptly in 1931, when the French give way to the Americans. In that year, two American make it to the final, but it will not be played F. Shield was injured the day before). Donald Budge, Bill Tilden and Helen Wills are the new champions of Wimbledon, until the beginning of the Second World War.
October 1940, during World War II a bomb ripped through Centre Court, causing a loss of 1,200 seats,
Borotra and Queen Mary 1926 fortunately empty at the time. Play resumed in 1946, but it was not until 1949 that this damage was fully repaired.
Why is the Wimbledon tournament unique?
Before continuing the history of Wimbledon, we must stop for a moment to answer the following question: why is Wimbledon such a unique tournament?
Wimbledon is a unique for several reasons. The first is its age. Est ablished in 1877, it is the oldest tournament, and therefore, it was also the scene of the first achievements and apprenticeships in the game.
Out of all the Grand Slams, Wimbledon is the only one never to have lost momentum. The number of spectators has never decreased (even during the 1973 players boycott). It must be understood that in England (and elsewhere), Wimbledon is considered a veritable historical feature. The British and the Royal family love their tournament and would do anything to support it. It is also a meeting point of the important people in the world of tennis. Officials, players, veterans, former champions get together each year in this mythical place. Men's and Women's Trophies
Another particularity is that Wimbledon has never changed its surface. Its grass surface is a symbol of the tournament and the history of tennis. As grass was the first surface for a tennis court. The grass at Wimbledon is a closely guarded treasure. The Central Court is used only once a year – during the tournament. Wimbledon is also the only professional tournament organized by a club; the others are run by federations.
As for the weather, due to London's own metrological system, rain often disrupts the progress of the tournament. Wimbledon has never really changed; the organizers are still attached to the British traditions. These traditions - often contrary to the rules governing the tennis world, have been more or less accepted, but it is part of the charm of Wimbledon.
Various points on the Wimbledon traditions:
 - The players must wear in white
- The seeded players are calculated not from the
world rankings but by a Committee of Management
and the Referees of the All England Club, according
to past results and Wimbledon pedigree. This
tradition has often been disputed. The committee
may also admit players with an insufficient ranking
as a ‘Wild Card’.
Covers due to Rain - A common sight
- At the awards ceremony it is always the Duke and Duchess of Kent who present the trophy. The checks are not given in front of the public.
- The reigning champion always opens the tournament on court No. 1 at 14h00.
 - There is no advertising around the courts.
- Winners receive a lifetime membership to the All England Club.
- In the final, the players have entitled to a valet to carry their equipment and bags onto the court.
- A tradition among the spectators is the consummation of strawberries and cream and the drinking of Pimms (image).
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1960's Wimbledon Final |
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