It’s that time of the year again when thousands upon thousands of people pour into south west London for a chance to catch one of the great sporting highlights of the year.
The Wimbledon Championship runs for the first two weeks of July and is a uniquely British event, offering thrills, tennis wizardry, Pimms, and polite chatter in equal parts.
For anyone thinking to face the queue – or who are lucky enough to have tickets – we have put together a short survival guide so you can make it through unscathed.
Keep Calm and Enjoy the Tennis
With the unfortunate news of Andy Murray’s last-minute retirement from the competition due to injury there will be a number of fans wondering who next to root for.
Aside from the big names like Roger Federer and Serena Williams there are a number of lesser-known players who are set to be strong contenders this year.
From the likes of Milos Raonic to Petra Kvitova, there is no shortage of world-class players ready to step up and shake things up this year.
Beat the Heat
With temperatures soaring it’s never been more important to make provisions to counter the effects of the sun.
Whether sitting in the queue, on the hill or courtside, there are various things you should do in order to stay cool.
While the temptation to while away the day drinking a constantly rotating array of beer, champagne and Pimms might seem appealing, make sure to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.
Liberal applications of sun cream are also advisable, as is simply enjoying a spot of shade now and again.
Look the Part
While there is no dress code as such for visitors to abide by, there is a certain unspoken rule regarding spectator attire on the centre courts.
Hats are somewhat essential to deflect high levels of heat and avoid any unwanted sunburn, but try to ensure their brim isn’t so extensive they will block other peoples’ view.
A smart-casual look for men will entail trousers, shirt and light jacket or sport coat, while a classic timepiece like these Audemars Piguet models are a great finish.
Women can opt for a classic summer dress or a chic capri trousers and linen shirt combination.
Comfort of course reigns supreme as there will naturally be plenty of sitting throughout the day.
Pack a Picnic
Food and drink within the grounds can be a little on the pricey side, so many people opt to bring their own.
Treating yourself to a picnic can be a great way to spend the breaks between matches and as a good opportunity to simply enjoy the weather and have a chat. There are no rules against the food you can bring in but be careful as to the containers you use, as picnic hampers themselves are expressly forbidden.
Take a read of the full list of prohibited items before heading out.
