This was where Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf ruled. Before that, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King and Althea Gibson. And before that Bill Tilden, Helen Wills Moody, Don Buzz and Susan Lenglen.
It is said to be the cathedral of tennis and the site of the most famous patch of grass in the world.
All . Center Court at the present Church Road location of England The Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club opened 100 years ago in 1922, and that centenary is being celebrated at Wimbledon on Sunday – a special occasion in itself, as it marks the start of the game, scheduled for the middle of the fortnight. What has traditionally been a rest day in grass-court Grand Slam tournaments.
On the side of the chair umpire’s stand is a sign with the words “Center Court” and “100”. A unique version of the ever popular tournament towel perfect for the occasion. A series of votes via Wimbledon.com lets fans choose their favorite moments from arena history.
The structure has been updated and improved over time, for example, with new cushioned green seats this year, and, most famously, the installation of a retractable roof ahead of the 2009 tournament. Capacity has increased from 9,989 seats and “permanent accommodation” 3,600 to today’s 14,974 seats.
What doesn’t seem to have changed is the respect with which players treat this space.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Sampras echoed this sentiment when he defeated Britain’s Martin Lee 6-3, 7-6 to win his last match at center court or at the All England Club. ), June 24, 2002 6-3: “You get off center court, it’s like mecca. US Open, French Open, they’re great events, but center court at Wimbledon, every time you step up there’s a lot It’s special. I feel like I’m back home today.”
Some find it all a bit daunting. Some, of course, never get to play there. Some say they went inside to look around before the tournament started, just to see it.
Here are some of the past and present players’ thoughts or memories about center court:
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“For me, that was my first experience seeing Princess Kate. She was sitting in the Royal Box, and I couldn’t see her. She’s super beautiful. And I also remember seeing Tom Cruise. That’s all. Was a little heavy.” — Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, Ash Barty’s runner-up in last year’s Wimbledon final.
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“When I walk center court[for]the final, something that was going to explode any minute—a whiff of respect, a flurry of excitement. Sure enough, the crowd will explode. You all those former champions, Think about the ghosts and spirits that played on that center court. I only do that at Wimbledon. I really don’t do that at any other Grand Slam.” Three-time Wimbledon champion Chris Evert.
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“I think it’s probably a magical place. I don’t want to go there unless I’m playing on the court.” – Tommy Paul of the United States, who faces Britain’s Cam Norie in the fourth round on Sunday at No. 1 Court We do.
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“I was like, ‘Whoa.’ I was 16. More than half my life ago. I was struck by elegance.” — Mihela Buzarnescu, 34, of Romania, who went to center court while playing in the Wimbledon junior tournament, and played there for the first time on Thursday.
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“They know the game, so it’s unbelievable silence, followed by this great roar. I mean, it happens in all stadiums; there’s more. There’s no bad seat.” – Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe upon entering the arena.
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“Walking up to court is definitely the most disturbing, because you see the members’ enclosure. It’s a very beautiful area. They’re, I don’t know if they’re guards or something, they’re in front of Center Court.” Standing, looking straight. I didn’t expect that the first time I walked in. I remember saying, ‘Whoa!’ You want to take a picture of it somehow. Obviously you can’t.” – Coco Gauff, who played and won her first match in 2019 at the age of 15, was her first match there.