HOW THE COURTS AT WIMBLEDON ARE GROOMED

Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. It takes place every year in London and is played on grass by players, who are required to wear white. 

It has 19 courts, scrupulously maintained by 15 specialised groundsmen. But what lies under the feet of tennis players at one of the most popular and famous tournaments in the world?

1. Maintaining the courts

Since 2001, the Wimbledon courts have been sown exclusively with perennial ryegrass, precisely eight millimetres high. All the courts, except for the centre court and the number one court, can be used from May to September. They are renewed each year by sowing approximately one tonne of new grass.

At Wimbledon, attention to details makes the difference. For example, between matches, the groundsmen step in where required to restore the court lines. This procedure is also carried out several times a day, between matches, precisely to ensure that tennis players always play on perfect courts.

2. Worn grass or fresh new grass

On worn grass courts, the ball has a medium-high, slow and sometimes uneven bounce. The players who benefit from this type of ground are those who prefer to play a game from the baseline. On this surface, players can move much more freely. 

The difference on courts with fresh new grass, such as those at Wimbledon, is that the ball bounces lower and almost seems to accelerate when hit by a cut backhand. This court facilitates players with a strong serve and those who prefer to volley at the net.

3. Before entering the court

In addition to the tournament period, the groundsmen at Wimbledon work the hardest in the months of April and May. In this period, the courts are constantly irrigated and fertilised. They are pressed with heavy rollers to make the grass surface as flat as possible, thus facilitating the bounce of the ball. Disinfectants are applied to combat snails, fungi and weeds. In addition, substances are sprayed to prevent any diseases and make the grass more resistant and lush. 

The Wimbledon website uploads monthly updates on the state of the courts so that spectators can be informed of all the preparation required for the tournament. If you are interested in the treatment of playing surfaces, in natural or artificial turf, click here, or read the in-depth article on football pitches.