Tennis - English style

Growing up in a tennis mad family I knew my day at Wimbledon would be enjoyable, but I could not have predicted just how captivated I would be by the atmosphere. Many of us have read about the Wimbledon traditions: all whites, strawberries and cream, the Royal box, rain delays, pimms... and the list goes on.  To experience these traditions while being entertained by the dizzying agility and strength of the tennis greats is simply amazing.

I was lucky enough to have the quintessential experience.  Making our way from the tube station the aura of anticipation and excitement of both ticket and non-ticket holders alike was contagious. Once inside the club we were treated to a lovely spread of canapés and champagne. Now fully prepared for our day of tennis we made our way to centre court. From then on a steady stream of tennis greats took to the court including Federer, Wozniacki, Clijsters and Djokovic. I was overwhelmed at how intimate centre court actually is.  With so many moments of glory throughout the years taking place on the grass in front of us it became understandable why the players always speak of how special it is to play on centre court.  Equally, watching an unseeded player it is easily understandable just how overwhelming an experience it must be to walk out from the dressing rooms to take their place on centre stage.  

The spectators seemed to enthusiastically support not only their favourites, but the underdogs as well.  The tennis progressed and true to tradition the rain did come.  The fans were clearly not going to go anywhere and seemed fully prepared for this outcome.  Umbrellas of all sorts went up, those with picnics started to take out their treats and a friendly banter filled the air.  Meanwhile the highly organised groundsmen once give the nod by the official covered the court with military precision in a well choreographed half minute.  Following, the ‘new’ roof elegantly closed out the rain.  

With a break in play we decided to soak up the atmosphere outside.  On the outside courts play was resuming and there was a pleasant buzz of people seeking out the players they most wanted to watch.

We then decided to experience high tea followed by a refreshing pimms.  Being a bit of a foodie, it was an added bonus to have Michele Roux senior mingling with guests.  I also wanted to know what all the buzz was about strawberries and cream at Wimbeldon.  The sweet, fresh taste I have come to love about English strawberries really did seem somehow elevated to a new level. 

Returning to our seats we settled in for a final few hours of incredible play.  As the day drew to a close with Djokovic closing down on his opponent with precision we had to bid fairwell to the players, the fans, the royal box, the pimms and strawberries and the many other tennis fans.

This was a day I will remember for many Wimbledon’s to come. I can’t wait for the ballot to come out for Wimbledon 2013 and should I not be one of the lucky ones to get a ticket you can find me in the queue!

By Nancy Dickinson