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Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious event in the sport of tennis. Wimbledon, held in June/July, is the third Grand Slam tournament played each year, preceded by the Australian Open and French Open, and followed by the US Open. The tournament (which is the only one of the Grand Slams to be played on grass courts) lasts for two weeks, subject to extensions for rain. Separate tournaments are simultaneously held for Gentlemen's Singles, Ladies' Singles, Gentlemen's Doubles, Ladies' Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Youth tournaments - Boys' Singles, Girls' Singles, Boys' Doubles and Girls' Doubles - are also held. Additionally, special invitational tournaments are held for retired players - 35 and over Gentlemen's Doubles, 45 and over Gentlemen's Doubles, and 35 and over Ladies' Doubles.
thumb Sébastien Grosjean takes a shot on Court 18 during the 2004 championships
The tournament was first played under the control of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in 1877 at a ground near Worple Road; the only event held was Gentlemen's Singles. In 1884, the All England Club added Ladies' Singles and Gentlemen's Doubles. Ladies' Doubles and Mixed Doubles were added in 1913. The Championships moved to their present location, at a ground near Church Road, in 1922. The British are very proud of the Championships but it is a source of national anguish and humour - no British man has won the singles event at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, and no British woman since Virginia Wade in 1977.
The main court is called Centre Court, and it is here that the finals of the tournament are always played. Due to the unpredictable nature of the British weather during the Championships, a retractable roof has been proposed for the court. It is expected to be completed in 2009. The No. 1 Court was the subject of an extensive redevelopment in 19971997 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar), and was designated the International Year of the Reef''. Events January January 3 NBC's Today Show Bryant Gumbel signs off for the last time January 8 Mister Rogers receives a star on t - it was originally adjacent to Centre Court, but was replaced by a new dedicated arenaAn arena is a circular or oval shaped public space (akin to a classical amphitheatre), designed to showcase theater, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on all sides by raised, usually tiered, seats or with a larger capacity for spectators. The original No. 1 Court was said to have a unique atmosphere, and was a favourite of many players, so its replacement was mourned by many. No. 1 Court also plays host to some of the more important matches at the Championships, such as the quarter-finals of the singles competitions. No. 2 Court bears the nickname The Seed Graveyard since it has a reputation for playing host to seeded players being knocked out in upsets.
Green and purple are the traditional Wimbledon colours. Female players are always referred to as "Miss" or "Mrs" during play (for example, when the Chair Umpire states the scores). Male players, however, are referred to by last name only.
The tournament begins each year six weeks before the first Monday in August, and lasts for a fortnight. Traditionally, there is no play on the "Middle Sunday." Thrice in Championship history (most recently in 20042004 is a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 2004 calendar), and has also been designated the: International Year of Rice International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition Elections are to be held in 73 co), rain has forced play on the Middle Sunday. During the first week, the early rounds are played, while during the second week, the "Round of Sixteen," the Quarterfinals, the Semifinals and Finals are held.
The Gentlemen's Singles Champion receives a silver gilt trophy of a height of over eighteen inches. The Ladies' Singles Trophy is a silver salver, almost nineteen inches in diameter, commonly called the "Rosewater Dish" or the "Venus Rosewater Dish." Trophies are also presented in the other events. Prize money figures for 2004 (with the amount shown for doubles being divided equally among the partners) were:
Wimbledon and the French Open both have higher prize money for male champions than for female ones; the US Open and Australian Open pay equal amounts.