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| At Wimbledon's Centre Court in London, a tennis player celebrates a winning point while a ball boy watches the action near the net |
ROME - Wimbledon 2026 returns as the crown jewel of world tennis, where history, tradition and elite competition collide on iconic grass courts. From dramatic early-round upsets to thrilling finals weekend, every moment at the All England Club carries global attention. The tournament brings together the sport's biggest names, all chasing glory in one of the most demanding environments in tennis. Beyond the matches, Wimbledon's unique rituals and atmosphere make it a cultural event as much as a sporting one.
Wimbledon 2026: schedule, favourites and curiosities of the most prestigious tennis tournament
Wimbledon is the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and one of the most widely watched sporting events globally. Every year, for two consecutive weeks, London becomes the centre of international tennis, attracting millions of viewers via TV, streaming and live attendance at the courts. The tournament stands out for its tradition, strict rules and unique atmosphere within the ATP and WTA circuit. Wimbledon is now played over 14 consecutive days, following the abolition of the traditional rest day known as “Middle Sunday”. The 2026 edition of Wimbledon will take place from Monday 29 June 2026 to Sunday 12 July 2026, with qualifying matches held in the preceding week. The tournament is held in London at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, on the main courts: Centre Court, No. 1 Court, No. 2 Court and the other courts within the complex.
The two weeks of Wimbledon
First week. First and second rounds of the main draws. Possible surprises and major upsets. Debuts of the tournament favourites. Manic Monday Wimbledon. “Manic Monday” is one of the most intense days in world tennis: all the round of 16 matches are played simultaneously. Very high level of competition. The start of the decisive phase of the tournament. Second week of Wimbledon. Quarter-finals. Semi-finals. Men's and women's finals over the weekend.
Wimbledon 2026 favourites: who can win in the men's and women's draws
Grass court tournaments require specific technical characteristics: a powerful serve, fast-paced play, and adaptation to low bounces. In the men's draw (ATP), among the main favourites for Wimbledon 2026 are: Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev. The level of competition is particularly high, with a new generation emerging alongside more experienced champions.
Women's draw (WTA). The main contenders in the women's tournament include: Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff. The WTA grass court circuit is among the most balanced and unpredictable.
Wimbledon curiosities: traditions and records
All-white dress code. One of Wimbledon's most iconic aspects is its strict white clothing rule. Players must adhere to very strict regulations on attire, with no visible colours. Strawberries and cream: the symbol of the tournament. During the two weeks of the tournament, dozens of tonnes of strawberries and cream are consumed, a historic tradition that accompanies every edition. Court security and anti-pigeon hawks. To protect the grass courts, Wimbledon uses bird deterrent systems. In the past, a trained hawk has also been used to keep pigeons away.
Royal Box and celebrities
Centre Court hosts the famous Royal Box, reserved for the British Royal Family and the most distinguished guests. The tournament attracts international celebrities from sport and entertainment every year. No intrusive advertising. Wimbledon is also unique from an aesthetic point of view: minimal advertising, clean and traditional design, and a strong historical visual identity. Wimbledon is not just a tournament, but a global event that combines sporting tradition, media spectacle, culture and entertainment. It is the third Grand Slam of the season, but for many it remains the most prestigious of all. Wimbledon continues to be the pinnacle of the global tennis season. With favourites, surprises and historic traditions, each edition generates worldwide interest and millions of online searches.
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