Old Photos From the Early Days of Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is regarded by many as the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877 and is played on outdoor grass courts, and since 2009 with a retractable roof over Centre Court.

The tournament traditionally took place over two weeks in late June and early July, starting on the last Monday in June and culminating with the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Finals, scheduled for the Saturday and Sunday at the end of the second week.
Wimbledon traditions include a strict all-white dress code for competitors and royal patronage. Strawberries and cream are traditionally consumed at the tournament. The tournament is also notable for the absence of sponsor advertising around the courts, with the exception of Rolex, which provides timekeeping technology during matches.

1883: The first international tennis match takes place at Wimbledon, London.

Circa 1910: American tennis player Maurice McLaughlin with Ducan at Wimbledon for the Davis Cup championship.

1908: British tennis player Charlotte Sterry (nee Cooper), who won the Wimbledon Ladies Singles title in 1895, 1896, 1898, 1901 and 1908.

July 1908: Anthony Wilding of New Zealand in action.

July 1911: M Cobes (left) and J B Ward play a mixed doubles match.

June 1920: Six times women’s singles and doubles champion Suzanne Lenglen.

1923: American tennis players Vincent Richards and Molla Mallory.

Circa 1925: American tennis player Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman.

1902: English player Laurie Doherty, men’s singles champion at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.

1922: Rain calls off play.

1927: Ball boys.

June 1923: French champion Suzanne Lenglen.

1925: Watching the Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon.