Wimbledon’s opening day has seen thousands of people queue in the grounds, showcasing the tournament’s strong ties to tradition. Despite long waits and soaring temperatures, fans are enjoying the experience of queuing together, forming a sense of community that thrives on camaraderie.
More than 10,000 people arrived at Wimbledon Park before the first day of play, with some arriving as early as noon on Friday. The queue’s atmosphere is characterized by friendly chatter, shared experiences, and a common goal: to watch tennis.
The tradition of queuing begins in Wimbledon Park the night before each day’s play, with entry permitted until the 42,000 capacity is reached. Fans eager to see specific players, like Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, drive motivation to join the queue.
In contrast to dedicated fans like the Carota Boys, who have received tickets from tournament organizers and sponsors, most fans are making their own way into the grounds. The sense of community in the queue has created a unique experience that fans cherish before their first day of play at SW19.
“It’s just nice to be able to take time out of everything else,” says Vicki Broad, who arrived early with her husband Nigel and is among the first in this year’s queue. “It’s lovely chatting with people from all over the world, sharing our experiences.”
As the tournament continues, Wimbledon remains a celebration of tradition, community, and tennis, attracting fans from around the globe to experience its unique atmosphere.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cn86yl092z8o