How Many Balls are Used at SW19? The Numbers Behind Wimbledon 2019
02 July 2019
Wimbledon is rated as the greatest tennis tournament on the sporting calendar. For tennis lovers all over the UK, it's the best fortnight of the summer.
Hot weather, sporting action at the highest level, and Pimm's – what could be better?!
Thousands of spectators flock to the hallowed grounds in South West London every July to watch hundreds of tennis players trying to achieve their dreams.
And this got us thinking: how many balls are used at SW19? How may strawberries are gobbled up? How much prize money's up for grabs? Here's your definitive guide to Wimbledon by numbers!
1868
Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis tournament in the world, dating back to the 19th century when the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club was established in 1868.
The inaugural tournament was held in 1877, with Spencer Gore winning the final in front of 200 spectators.
53,000 Balls
With so many matches taking place in SW19 over a fortnight, it’s obvious that there needs to be an incredible number of tennis balls ready in the hands of every ball boy.
In fact, around 53,000 are used in total throughout the entire tournament. Stored at 68°F/20°C, they’re used for the first seven games of a match, then renewed every nine.
Once they’re done with, used balls can be purchased on the grounds!
6,000 Employees
Thousands of staff are required every year to make sure the tournament runs without any hiccups. There are around 6000 total employees, which includes 700 security guards, 305 cleaners, 1800 catering staff and 250 ball boys & girls – all of whom are nominated from local schools.
8,600 Scrummy Strawberries
Three things are guaranteed at Wimbledon every summer: tennis, strawberries, and cream.
The juicy fruit snack is famous on the grounds of SW19, with around 8,600 punnets consumed daily.
The strawberries are Grade 1 Kent berries of the highest quality, with 10 in each portion.
£38m in Prize Money
The total prize money for 2019’s tournament has increased by 11.7% from last year, with a total of £38 million up for grabs.
The winners of the tournament will pick up a handsome £2.35 million, with the runner-up pocketing £1.175m to drown their sorrows.
Even if a player falls out at the first hurdle, they’ll receive £45,000 – a huge increase on the prize money back in 1971, which was £37,790.
40sqm Large Outdoor Screen
If you’re lucky enough to gain entry into the grounds, but unable to pick up a ticket for the main show courts (Centre Court & Court 1), you can take your place up on Henman Hill (or Murray Mount) and watch on the big screen.
When we say big, we mean massive! It's approximately 40 sq metres in size. Just a little bit bigger than your 50” back home, eh?
Which is your favourite Wimbledon moment? Let the B&M community know on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
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