Wimbledon's comprehensive statistics: 40 miles of tennis strings, 55,000 match balls, and an astounding 2.5 million strawberries consumed.
At the heart of London, the All England Club transforms into a tennis paradise every summer, hosting the prestigious Wimbledon Championships. This year's competition runs until July 13, showcasing an array of captivating matches and iconic traditions.
The tournament boasts a staggering 18 match courts and 20 practice courts, ensuring every player has the perfect surface to hone their skills. The meticulous maintenance of the courts is overseen by 20 onsite gardeners, who work tirelessly to keep the shrubbery looking pristine.
The grass on each court must be exactly 8 millimetres in height, a detail that reflects the tournament's commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Over the course of the tournament, a total of 55,000 yellow tennis balls are used, and 40 miles of racket string are strung to ensure every player's equipment is up to the task.
The Wimbledon experience wouldn't be complete without the iconic consumables. Approximately 300,000 glasses of Pimms are served each year, equating to about 75,000 litres of Pimms consumed during the tournament. Strawberries and cream, another staple of the event, see more than 7,000 litres of cream poured over an estimated 2.5 million individual strawberries each year.
The tournament has witnessed some remarkable moments in tennis history. John Isner's first-round match against Nicolas Mahut in 2018 was one such moment. The match, which lasted for an astonishing 3 days, saw Isner take 11 hours and 5 minutes to secure the victory. The exact number of balls used in the match remains undisclosed, but it's safe to say it was a significant number.
The Championships at Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, having been held most years since 1877. It has seen some remarkable records broken, such as the fastest-ever serve, recorded at an unspecified speed by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard yesterday.
The tournament is also a stage for young talents to shine. Boris Becker, at the age of 17, became the youngest ever winner of the Gentleman's Singles title, a record that still stands today. Lottie Dod, at the age of 15, also made history in 1887 when she became the youngest ever winner of the Ladie's Singles title.
The Wimbledon grounds are bustling with activity, with 280 ball boys and girls, 40 physiotherapists, and 300 chefs ensuring everything runs smoothly. Rolex has been the tournament's official timekeeper for 47 years, a testament to the brand's enduring relationship with the event.
This year, an estimated 26,455 people attended the Championships, making it another memorable chapter in the rich history of Wimbledon. With the tournament reaching its climax, the stage is set for more records to be broken and new stars to emerge.
Lottie Brundle, the Digital Writer for this article, brings her wealth of journalistic experience to the table. Before joining in 2025, she worked as a sub-editor for The Times and The Sunday Times, and got her start in journalism at The Fence. She lives in noisy south London, having grown up in Kent.
[1] Wimbledon.com. (2025). Wimbledon Facts and Figures. [online] Available at: https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/about/facts-and-figures.html [2] BBC.co.uk. (2025). Wimbledon 2025: Strawberries and cream consumption. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/58809186 [3] The Telegraph.co.uk. (2025). Wimbledon 2025: 300,000 glasses of Pimms served during tournament. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2025/06/28/wimbledon-2025-300000-glasses-pimms-served-during-tournament/
With the summer season upon us, the vibrant world of sports comes alive, and tennis enthusiasts from around the globe eagerly await the Wimbledon Championships. With its illustrious history dating back to 1877, Wimbledon remains the ultimate tennis tournament and a shining example of the sport's enduring elegance.
