Viewpoint: Why is Wimbledon’s Grass Unmatched? A Deep Dive into the Secrets!

As the only Grand Slam tournament held on grass, the Wimbledon Championships, with its nearly 150-year history, has steadfastly maintained its grass courts, pursuing supreme turf quality. This dedication entails countless efforts, sweat, and wisdom. Let’s uncover the mysteries behind these grass courts.

Court Usage

All of Wimbledon’s courts belong to the All England Club, covering over 42 acres, including 18 match grass courts, 20 practice grass courts, and 8 American clay courts, accommodating up to 42,000 spectators. The lawn maintenance team consists of 15 permanent staff, swelling to 28 during Wimbledon.

Aside from the grass courts, other courts are used by club members and LTA-sponsored players throughout the year. The grass courts are open from May to September (excluding Centre Court and other courts used exclusively for Wimbledon). They are often lent to national clubs and organizations for various events.

Wimbledon’s Grass

The grass at Wimbledon must thrive in dry soil. Research shows that an 8mm cutting height (maintained since 1995) is optimal for both smooth gameplay and grass longevity. Since 2001, 100% ryegrass has been used to enhance durability and resilience under the strain of modern tennis matches.

An independent study by experts from the Sports Turf Research Institute in Yorkshire, UK, confirmed that switching the seed mix to 100% ryegrass (previously 70% ryegrass and 30% creeping red fescue) was the best choice for wear resistance and improved appearance and performance without altering court speed.

The playing speed perceived by players is influenced by factors like soil compaction over time and weather conditions before and during matches. Balls play heavier and slower in cold, wet conditions and lighter and faster in warm, dry conditions.

Bounce height depends more on the soil than the grass. The subsoil must remain firm and dry to ensure the courts’ integrity after 13 days of competition.

After compacting the courts, they are covered to maintain dryness and firmness, with regular measurements taken to monitor their condition.

Since 1995, there have been no changes to the specification of Wimbledon balls, with only minor adjustments made to the air pressure of the tennis balls.

The “White Lines” on the Courts

Centre Court and No. 1 Court each have a grass area measuring 41m x 22m. Singles courts are 23.77m long and 8.23m wide, while doubles courts are 23.77m long and 10.97m wide.

The lines on the courts aren’t painted but marked with a wheel applicator layering a white substance (using 500 gallons annually), enhanced with titanium dioxide for durability.

All lines are 50mm wide, except the baseline, which is 100mm wide.

Court Maintenance

– 9 tons of grass seed are used annually.

– All match courts are lined, rolled, and mown daily during Wimbledon.

– Court wear, surface hardness, and ball bounce are measured daily.

– All courts undergo renovation in September.

Building a Grass Court

A standard Wimbledon court requires about 15 months of preparation before use:

– Construction begins in April, followed by seeding. When new grass reaches 15mm, it is mown. In May, courts are mown three times weekly to maintain a height of 15mm.

– During Wimbledon, grass is kept at 8mm and mown daily.

– Throughout the rest of summer, courts are mown and watered only thrice weekly as they develop and harden naturally.

– Towards late summer, 6 tons of soil are spread across each court for a level playing surface.

– Court lining is done in early May.

– During competition, courts are mown every two days.

– In May, courts are rolled once weekly with a one-ton roller to stabilize the surface.

– In June, water usage is restricted, also aiding in surface stability.

– During Wimbledon, a small amount of water is applied to the courts each night to keep the grass alive.