New Delhi, June 22: Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament in the world. This unique event, played on grass, began in 1877.
While all Grand Slam events except the French Open have been played on grass, they have since shifted to green clay, hard courts, and clay courts.
Wimbledon exclusively uses 100% perennial ryegrass, which remains green year-round. Before 2001, the tournament featured a mix of 70% ryegrass and 30% red fescue, but it was later changed to entirely ryegrass. This surface is one of the rarest, with many players never stepping on it throughout their careers.
To maintain play without damaging the court’s lower surface, the soil must be hard and dry. For a uniform and firm surface, the court is rolled and covered to keep it dry and strong.
Grass tennis courts have low friction. They absorb more energy during the bounce, making them one of the most challenging surfaces for players. To reach the ball, players must lower their bodies, and the grass can be quite slippery.
Grass courts are also influenced by temperature, humidity, and external factors. When temperatures are low, the soil beneath the grass becomes denser, increasing the ball’s speed upon impact. Conversely, the slippery grass can keep the ball closer to the ground. Moisture reduces its speed, making it difficult for players to run, especially in early matches when the grass is less worn.
As the tournament progresses, the grass wears down, making the surface less hazardous. Large patches of soil appear, and the ball’s bounce becomes unpredictable. Aggressive play is advantageous on grass courts, as it becomes challenging to cover the court against fast-moving balls.
Wimbledon’s Centre Court features 9,709 square feet of grass, alongside 17 championship courts and 20 grass practice courts. The All England Lawn Tennis Club renovates every court in September.
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