The Championships, Wimbledon

First played in 1877, Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four annual Grand Slams, alongside the Australian, French and US Opens. It’s the only major still played on natural grass — a deliberate, fiercely protected tradition that sets it apart from every other tournament on the calendar.

128 singles players enter the men’s and women’s draws each year, competing for the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy and the Venus Rosewater Dish.

⚡ Records that have stood for decades

Roger Federer holds the men’s record with 8 singles titles. Martina Navratilova holds the women’s record with 9, ahead of Helen Wills on 8.

Played entirely at the All England Lawn Tennis Club on Church Road, southwest London. The grounds hold around 42,000 across the show courts and outer courts, with Centre Court — capacity 14,979 — hosting the tournament’s biggest matches and both finals.

When is Wimbledon 2026?

29 June to 12 July 2026.

Why is Wimbledon the only Grand Slam played on grass?

Tradition — grass was the original surface for all major tournaments, and Wimbledon has deliberately preserved it even as the other three Slams moved to hard or clay courts.

Who holds the most Wimbledon singles titles?

Roger Federer (men’s, 8 titles) and Martina Navratilova (women’s, 9 titles).