Wimbledon 2010 has started! Although this year is dwarfed by the World Cup, the biggest annual lawn tennis match is beginning to attract media attention.
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament, and while the US Open, French Open, and Australian Open are important, Wimbledon is considered the most prestigious of the four Grand Slam events. The event is held annually at the All England Club, and is the only major to be held on grass (pure rye grass). It is the third major event of the year, followed by the US Open.
The main events played at Wimbledon are men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, although there are also junior and invitational events played during the last week of June and the first week of July each year. The men play best of five; women’s and doubles events are played best of three. Although men play 1/3 more than other players, the Wimbledon judges chose to increase the women’s and doubles prize pools in 2009; now all players receive the same amount of money for winning the championship.
In addition to prize money, the Gentlemen’s Singles Champion is awarded a silver gilt cup inscribed “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Champion of the World”. The women’s champions receive the “Venus rosewater dish”, a sterling silver tray decorated with mythological figures. Double winners receive silver cups. The gifts are presented by the Duke of Kent, who holds the presidency of the All England Club.
Roger Federer and Serena Williams are the current reigning champions; Federer rocked Andy Roddick in his final to win his sixth men’s singles title and fifteenth career slam from him. Serena defeated her sister, Venus, who won in 2008. 2009 marked Serena’s third Wimbledon title and 11th Grand Slam.
Will this year be a repeat? It’s possible, but the usual contenders are looking great this year. Will Rafael Nadal finally show his strength on the grass? Will a Roddick and Federer rematch sway the other direction? Venus and Maria Sharpova could be a problem for Serena in the final. It’s hard to say, but I wouldn’t doubt that the reigning champions will stay on top for another year.