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Lesser-Known Facts About British Tennis Tennis has been an integral part of British sports culture for well over a century. From hosting the prestigious Wimbledon Championships to producing some of the greatest tennis players in history, tennis has become an iconic sport in Britain. However, there are plenty of fascinating and lesser-known facts about British tennis that even its most ardent fans might not be aware of. Here are some of those intriguing insights into the history of British tennis. 1. The First Tennis Court Was Built in Birmingham While lawn tennis was first invented in 1873 by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, the first tennis court was eventually built in Birmingham by Harry Gem and his friend Augurio Pereira in 1875. The court was built on what is now known as the Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society. 2. The Wimbledon Championships Were Not Always in Wimbledon The Wimbledon Championships have been held annually since 1877 and are the oldest tennis tournament in the world. However, the championships were initially hosted in Worple Road in Wimbledon but later moved to the current location in Church Road due to the growing popularity of the event. 3. A Brit Was the First Ever Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Champion Charlotte Cooper was the winner of the first-ever Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Championship in 1884. She went on to win the prestigious title again in 1885, 1887, 1891, and 1895, becoming one of the most successful female tennis players of the era. 4. The Davis Cup Was Named After a Harvard Student The Davis Cup, which is the premier international team event in men’s tennis, was named after a Harvard student called Dwight F. Davis. He designed the original trophy and donated it to the United States Lawn Tennis Association in 1900. 5. The Royal Box at Wimbledon Has a Dress Code Seats in the Royal Box at Wimbledon are highly coveted and are reserved for members of the royal family, politicians, celebrities, and high-ranking officials. However, there is a strict dress code that requires gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie, while women are required to wear dresses or skirts below the knee. 6. The Last British Man to Win a Wimbledon Singles Title Was Fred Perry Fred Perry won three consecutive Wimbledon Men’s Singles titles in 1934, 1935, and 1936, becoming the last British man to win the prestigious title. Since then, no British man has won a singles title at Wimbledon, much to the disappointment of the nation’s tennis fans. 7. Andy Murray Is the Only British Man to Win the Wimbledon Singles Title in the Open Era While no British man has won a Wimbledon singles title since Fred Perry, Andy Murray became the first British man to win the Wimbledon Men’s Singles title in the open era in 2013. He went on to win the title again in 2016, cementing his place in British tennis history. In conclusion, British tennis has a rich and fascinating history, and there are plenty of intriguing facts and stories that have helped make it one of the most popular sports in the UK. Knowing these lesser-known facts about British tennis can help fans appreciate the sport even more and understand the fascinating evolution of tennis in the country.
