The 2026 Wimbledon Championships began on June 29 with eager fans camping overnight in 15°C conditions to secure entry, while protesters from Save Wimbledon Park dressed as giant tennis balls demonstrated outside the gates against expansion plans. The tournament also saw top players call off a media protest after talks with All England Club chiefs, and Britain's Emma Raducanu withdrew due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg.
Fan Queue and Protests Mark Opening Day
Hundreds of fans queued from the night before, with many considering the queue an integral part of the Wimbledon experience. The system operates on a first-come, first-served basis via the myWIMBLEDON app, with attendees receiving numbered Queue Cards to prevent queue-jumping. Stewards wake campers at dawn to pack up and purchase tickets.
Protesters from Save Wimbledon Park opposed plans to build 39 new courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on a former golf course, arguing it would destroy hundreds of mature trees and impact the local community. Organizers countered that the proposals would ensure biodiversity net gain and generate significant economic growth.
Player Updates: Raducanu Out, Djokovic and Williams Sisters In
Emma Raducanu, the British No. 1, withdrew after a stress fracture was confirmed on a final scan. She wrote on Instagram: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon. Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.”
Novak Djokovic, a seven-time champion, opened his campaign against Wu Yibing despite recent fitness doubts. Serena and Venus Williams received a wildcard for the doubles tournament, marking Serena's return four years after retiring. The sisters have won six doubles titles together at the All England Club.
Media Boycott Resolved
Top players, including world number ones Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, had planned to limit interviews to 15 minutes in a dispute over prize money. However, after talks with All England Club chiefs, they called off the protest on the morning of the opening day.
Tournament Facts and Figures
Approximately 500,000 spectators attend over 14 days, with record days seeing over 45,000 visitors. The cheapest tickets are £33 for a Grounds Pass. Over 7,000 staff, including 350 chefs and 250 ball boys and girls, will serve 140,000 portions of strawberries and manage 54,000 tennis balls. The global TV audience is estimated at over 300 million.
Founded in 1877, Wimbledon is the most prestigious Grand Slam, known for its all-white dress code, royal patronage, and grass courts. Centre Court holds 14,979 spectators, with a strict silence rule enforced during play.
