One of the most famous fixtures on the international circuit, Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis championship, dating back to 1877.
Attracting around 500,000 spectators, the 14 day tournament welcomed a record breaking 532,651 people in 2023. Television coverage of the 2024 event was streamed more than 50 million times on BBC Sport online and BBC iPlayer.
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A peak audience of 7.5 million viewers watched Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz power to victory in a thrilling men’s singles final, defeating Serbian legend and seven times Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in 2024.
Wimbledon’s social media channels have a total following of 17.5 million people (an increase of 34% since 2022), attracting a staggering 918 million video views as interest goes from strength to strength.
During the Wimbledon fortnight, spectators consume more than 38.4 tons of strawberries and cream, equating to 1.92 million individual berries, freshly picked in Kent, and delivered straight to the All England Club to ensure they’re at their best. They’re washed down by 320,000 glasses of Pimm’s, 29,000 bottles of champagne and 110,000 pints of beer every year!
Preparing for Wimbledon 2025
Getting the grounds ready for Wimbledon is a massive undertaking, with the iconic grass courts maintained to exacting standards by a dedicated team of professionals. During the tournament, 15 permanent staff are joined by 13 temporary employees to carry out continuous upkeep and preparation.
While most clubs do not require this level of intensity, it highlights just how important regular tennis court maintenance and tennis court cleaning are in ensuring a high quality playing surface. This applies whether the courts are used by international stars or local players. Keeping courts in top condition helps maximise performance and reduce the risk of injury, regardless of the scale of the event.
When is Wimbledon and who’s playing?
This year’s Wimbledon Championship takes place from Monday 30th June until Sunday 13th July, when another fortnight of world-class tennis is anticipated. The schedule remains fluid, although the tradition of the defending men’s champion opening play on day one on Centre Court suggests that Carlos Alcaraz will be back. However, there remains doubt whether the reigning women’s singles champion, Czech player Barbora Krejčíková, will defend her title, as she suffered a back injury later in 2024 and was out of action for five months. She returned to tennis for the first time in April 2025, when she was back on the practice courts.
Wimbledon predictions for the championship winners in 2025 include Alcaraz retaining his title, although Djokovic and world number one, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, are also bookies’ favourites. If defending women’s champion Krejčíková is able to return, she will do so as one of the favourites, due to her all-surface adaptability and mental strength. Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, 29, is a favourite for Wimbledon following her recent success as women’s champion at the Italian Open, with Russian-born Kazakhstani pro player Elena Rybakina, 25, Wimbledon champion in 2022, also in the running.
America’s Coco Gauff, 21. hopes to capitalise on her recent French Open win as she continues to impress with her consistency and maturity. Securing her first Grand Slam title in 2023 at the US Open, her hard-fought three-set victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka secured her place as a Wimbledon 2025 title contender.
Britain’s highest hopes are Emma Raducanu, 22, currently ranked world number 49 and aiming for a seeded ranking at Wimbledon; Jack Draper, 23, who enjoyed success at the US Open with a semi-final spot; and British number one Katie Boulter, 28, who is back from injury and aiming for success at SW19.
Promising young players in 2025
One young British player, Hannah Klugman, 16, is expected to make her Wimbledon debut this year. The rising star has made massive strides in her junior career, becoming the first Brit since 1976 to reach the French Open girls’ singles final on 7th June 2025. Despite being beaten by Austria’s Lilli Tagger, her appearance has made her a strong contender for a successful run at Wimbledon.
Fellow Brit Mingge Xu, 17, has been successful in British junior tennis, with her impressive performances securing her a wildcard entry in the WTA 125 event in Birmingham. She was finally halted in the quarter-finals, after achieving notable victories over higher ranked opponents. She is famous for her composure under pressure and aggressive playing style.
Another young player to watch out for is Sweden’s William Rejchtman Vinciguerra, 18, who has made progress as a junior at the Australian Open. He is expected to compete in the Wimbledon qualifiers this year, with the goal of breaking into the main draw and showcasing his skills on the grass courts.
Which celebrities will be at Wimbledon?
The annual event always attracts its fair share of celebrities, from members of the royal family to stars of stage and screen and iconic former players.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Royal Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, is expected to be present. At previous tournaments, she has been accompanied by other royals, including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and the Duchess of Gloucester.
Stars such as footballer David Beckham, singer Melanie C, and actors Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Rebel Wilson and Kim Cattrall have all been familiar figures at the championship in previous years.
Former Wimbledon men’s singles champion and Olympic gold medallist, Britain’s Andy Murray is scheduled to perform his one-man show, Centre Stage, in the New Wimbledon Theatre on 29th June, attracting greater media coverage and fan interest.
What’s the Wimbledon prize money?
Although the exact prize money for Wimbledon is yet to be confirmed for 2025, there was a record total of £50 million for the championship in 2024, so it’s expected to be in the same region this year. Last year, both the men’s and women’s singles champions received £2.7 million each.
Fans all over the world who are beginning the countdown to this summer’s event will be hoping the Great British weather doesn’t let them down. In 2024, persistent rain impacted Wimbledon more than usual, with the mixed doubles final having to be moved to Sunday due to weather-related backlogs on the courts.
The Met Office is currently being cautious when discussing the outlook for Wimbledon 2025, saying that predicting rainfall is particularly difficult, as showers can be extremely localised. Between 30th June to 13th July, the duration of the tournament, current predictions (based on annual weather patterns) suggest a likelihood of rain on 8th, 11th, 12th and 13th July, but this might change between now and the tournament.