10 Best Inexpensive Tennis Racquet

Best Inexpensive Tennis Racquet in 2023

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Wonderful Wimbledon

Tennis may come behind others in Britain's list of sporting passions. But for two weeks each summer, the nation's sports fans go wild for the sunshine, serves and strawberries of Wimbledon. So why is the tournament is special to so many people?

Attracting almost half a million visitors over a two-week period, and millions of television spectators across the world, Wimbledon is without doubt the highlight of the tennis schedule. Every year thousands of eager fans line the picturesque club's perimeters in a bid to gain access, while players look forward to their stay in the stylish surroundings of South West London.

Paul Fein, author of Tennis Confidential and You Can Quote Me on That, puts the popularity of the event down to the long-standing customs that offer a formal and gracious variation on a now commercial sport. "It epitomises tradition and means a lot to both players and fans," he says. "The ambience and atmosphere are something else, it is, in a word, classy."

Refined approach

The refined approach of the renowned championships can be traced back to 1868, when the All England Croquet Club was established. Johnny Perkins, spokesperson for Wimbledon, believes the communal nature of the organisation remains one its most valuable assets. "As the oldest Grand Slam, Wimbledon has always valued its history and tradition and it remains the only major event played at a private members' club," he says. "This gives it a special flavour and makes it less susceptible to the short term effects of the marketing whims of the day."

In the late 19th century, the croquet players enjoyed the competitive clunk of hitting balls through hoops on balmy summer days with little thought of the club's potential, but others began to play a more energetic racket game, developed from Greek, Spanish and French variations.

By 1877 the Greek name 'Sphairistike' had been replaced by the more English, and pronounceable, 'lawn tennis' and the London club, which now incorporated tennis into its title, established the sport's first championship. More of a garden party than a competitive contest, the event attracted a small gathering who each paid a shilling to enjoy the gentlemen's singles final on the park's centre court.

As the annual competition continued, the sport grew in popularity and attracted an array of colourful characters with a skill for the volleys and lobs of the game. The dominance of British twins Ernest and William Renshaw meant facilities for spectators were quickly improved. Indeed, the so-called 'Renshaw Rush', which had followed the introduction of a women's competition, marked a global regard for the sport, and by the turn of the century, players from across the world were travelling to London to compete.

For the British, the arrival of foreigners, and the introduction of similar events around the world, marked a sudden and serious challenge that few could meet. By 1907, Wimbledon had witnessed both a women's and men's champion from other shores, and in the following years only Arthur Gore and Fred Perry have won the men's title for Britain.

Fashionable event

Following the First World War, the increasingly fashionable event was moved to new premises, vacating Worple Road for the grander surroundings of Church Road, where the meeting is still held today. During the 1920s French stars such as Rene Lacoste wowed the ever-growing crowds, but the next decade belonged to Fred Perry as he won three titles in a row and immediately became a national hero.

Despite the interruption of the Second World War, during which the facilities were used for military purposes, the Wimbledon Championships became widely recognised as the sport's premier event, and by the late 1960s, when the issue of amateurs receiving payments had been sidestepped by opening the contest to all and offering prize money, attendance numbers surpassed 300,000.

The list of greats to grace the centre court lengthened as time went on, and by 1980 legendary athletes to have tasted victory included Australians Rod Laver and John Newcombe, and Americans Helen Wills Mood and Billie Jean King, who both dominated the their era.

McEnroe versus Connors

But for many the dramatic final between cool Swedish champion Bjorn Borg and temperamental American John McEnroe served more surprises than any other encounter. "Mcenroe versus Borg in 1980 is probably everybody's favourite moment," says Paul Fein. "I was a neutral as a tennis journalist, but my hands were sweaty just from watching. The match was so exciting and there was such a ferocious competitiveness."

Commentators agree this electrifying match - which saw both players face numerous match points - was a result of the now unique playing surface, as well as the players' obvious athleticism and skill. While other Grand Slam events gradually switched to different surfaces, the English club characteristically stuck to the tried and tested grass, a decision that Paul Fein believes has enhanced Wimbledon's appeal. "[The lack of grass tournaments] is a tragedy, in my opinion," he claims. "The Australians made a big mistake in 1988, I think. They wanted a giant arena with indoor and outdoor facilities and grass proved tough to maintain."

Similarly the West Side Tennis Club in New York, former home of the US Open, abandoned grass after consultation with players, and adopted a hard court. "Three or four of the major events used to be on grass, and now we have two hard, and the clay of the French open. So there is at least some variety," Fein admits.

With a tendency to wear out as the tournament progresses, grass offers a natural unpredictability that no other major competition can offer. "Grass is typically faster and helps baseliners," says Fein. "One paradox is that grass is a faster surface but it can be slower when you hit a drop shot. The ball bounces lower and skids more. It's a living thing and is changeable, based on the weather."

The organic air to this greener version of the sport is reflected in the beautiful surroundings of the club, which are constantly updated to harness tradition, comfort and modernity. The exquisite Aorangi Terrace provides a suitable example of convenience and splendour, while each of the twenty courts is adorned with flora, creating a wonderful, summery feel.

London's stylish suburb

For many regular visitors, the exclusive suburb is also a plus, as high-class businesses open their doors. Local businesswoman Debi Harris, who has lived and worked in Wimbledon for five years, has come to enjoy the transformation that occurs in June. "The town centre and village come alive with activity during the weeks leading up to and during Wimbledon," she enthuses. "Businesses thrive and there is a really good buzz everywhere from early morning until late at night, especially if the weather is good."

With players hiring houses within walking distance of the club the community thrives, and restaurants such as San Lorenzo Fuoriporta, become a tranquil haunt for sport stars and those in the know.

For more fleeting visitors, the traditional dish of strawberries and cream, often accompanied by a cool glass of Pimms, is an essential part of the experience. According to Johnny Perkins, 23 tonnes of fresh strawberries were served in 2020 yet, as he explains, nobody is sure where the delicious tradition came from. "The educated guess is that strawberries were the traditional English summer fruit and became associated with the event through time."

With the British weather to contend with, spectators also get through around 300,000 cups of tea during the fortnight, often while sheltering from the rain. While the watery interruptions have become another part of the Wimbledon charm, the inconvenience looks set to stop, at least on Centre Court, which will boast a retractable roof in 2020. Johnny Perkins is sure the development, which is due to be completed in 2020 is a positive move. "It should mean better value for spectators, TV viewers and the media as there will less chance of losing play to rain, which is always frustrating for everyone."

Other improvements, which will be ready for this year's event, include new outfits for match officials and a state-of-the-art museum, but the athletic participants will be more concerned with events between the white lines of the court. Paul Fein believes the men will once again struggle to beat five-time champion Roger Federer. "He won in 2003 by serving and volleying and then the next two years he won in the back court, which is an amazing thing to do," he says. Those eager to dethrone the Swiss genius include the powerful Marat Safin and Tomas Berdych, the backcourt player Novac Djokovic, and British hope Andrew Murray.

The women's competition is a little harder to predict, but the usual faces are sure to be smashing their way into the final rounds. "Venus and Serena [Williams], if fit, will always be major threats on grass," says Fein. "While Henin-Hardenne is so good she can play on any surface." Who will to lift the priceless 100-year-old cup and plate is the subject of conversation in the members' rooms and on the streets of Wimbledon, as well as in tennis clubs across the globe. But whatever happens on the hallowed grass, thousands of enthusiastic spectators will flock to SW19 to be a part of a sporting legacy, that looks set to continue for many more years.