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Wimbledon Championships

The Wimbledon Championships is an annual tennis tournament held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Wimbledon Championships is an annual tennis tournament held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four Grand Slam events, with matches played on grass courts.

History

The first championships were held in 1877 at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, later renamed the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The event opened to professional players in 1968.

Venue and surface

Wimbledon is played at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. It is known for its grass courts and is the only Grand Slam still contested on natural grass.

Tournament format

The championships feature men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, and junior events. The tournament is typically staged over two weeks in late June and early July.

Place in tennis

Wimbledon is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, alongside the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open. It is commonly described as the most prestigious event in tennis.

Key facts

  • Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament, first held in 1877.
  • It is one of the four Grand Slam events, played on natural grass.
  • Professional players have been allowed since 1968.
  • The tournament includes singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and junior events.
  • It is held annually at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
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Canadian context

Canadian players compete at Wimbledon, and the tournament is widely followed by Canadian tennis audiences as one of the sport’s premier international events.

Frequently asked questions

When was Wimbledon first held?
The first Wimbledon Championships were held in 1877.
Where is Wimbledon played?
It is played at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London.
Why is Wimbledon famous?
It is the oldest tennis tournament, a Grand Slam event, and the only major still played on grass courts.
When did professionals first compete at Wimbledon?
Wimbledon opened to professional players in 1968.
What events are included at Wimbledon?
The championships include men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, and junior events.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wimbledon_Championships
    Supports: Grand Slam status, annual timing, organiser, and basic tournament description.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/sports/Wimbledon-Championships
    Supports: 1877 founding, professional-era opening in 1968, event categories, and historical overview.
  3. Lawn Tennis Association — https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/grand-slam/wimbledon-championships/facts-you-didnt-know-about-wimbledon/
    Supports: Historical facts and attendance/tradition-related context.
  4. BBC Newsround — https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cj3rrml67jjo
    Supports: Oldest tennis tournament, Grand Slam status, and grass-court distinction.
  5. Historic UK — https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-History-of-the-Wimbledon-Tennis-Championships/
    Supports: History, venue continuity, and grass-court tradition.