Much that is written about Wimbledon is pure speculation - Andy Murray’s chances following his success at Queens or the circumference of Venus Williams’ thighs. But guesswork aside, let’s look at some cold hard facts and what goes into making Wimbledon the great sporting event it is:
54,250 tennis balls used during each tournament. Interestingly, the unused balls are stored at exactly 68 degrees centigrade to keep them bounce-perfect.
28,000 kilogrammes of strawberries are consumed every year accompanied by 7,000 litres of cream.
1200 seats were destroyed during World War II. It took 9 years for Centre Court to be repairedafter 5 bombs landed on it.
665 minutes it took John Isner to finally defeat Nicolas Mahut in the longest match in Wimbledon history. Isner won the tie-break 70 points to 68 in a final set that lasted 8 hours 11 minutes, and used 123 balls. In 2010.
250 ball boys and girls are contracted to work at the event each summer. On average they are 15 years old and earn about £150 for the two weeks that the tournament lasts.
40 miles of string is used by the Championships dedicated team to prepare an average of around 2000 rackets. Racket technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, wooden ones still being used as recently as 1987.
13 years of age - the youngest ever participant at Wimbledon Mita Klima of Austria, when she played in 1907.
8 millimetres – the regulation height of a blade of grass on Centre Court.
2 Grand Slam titles belong to Andy Murray, fans will be hoping this will become 3 in mid-July.
1 harrier hawk named Rufus guards the premises from pesky pigeons. In 2012 there was global outcry when the ‘the world's most notable bird’ was stolen from the back of his owner’s car. Thankfully, Rufus was found a few days later on Wimbledon common safe and without serious injury. Interestingly, Rufus is just the first of many similar hawks in a regeneration cycle similar to that of Doctor Who.
