Wimbledon - the grandest of the Grand Slams

Held at the All England Club in the London suburb of Wimbledon since 1877, it is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and the only one still played on grass courts.

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament which does not stick strictly to the ATP ranking list in deciding seedings. In allocating the slots the seedings' committee takes into account performances on grass over a two-year period.

Wimbledon 2011

On the other hand the seeding order follows the WTA ranking list when it comes to finalise the women's seedings, except where in the opinion of the committee, a change is necessary to produce a balanced draw.

The 2009 Championships were the first when a retractable roof was used to prevent play being interrupted from rain.

Text: Agencies

Images: AFP