Game, Set, Grass! How Wimbledon’s Grass Pitch Sets the Stage for Tennis Excellence
July 13, 2023
Game, Set, Grass! How Wimbledon’s Grass Pitch Sets the Stage for Tennis Excellence
With the much-anticipated Wimbledon final this weekend, we're delving into a major feature that sets this tournament apart from the rest – the use of natural grass on the court. This blog will explore the fascinating aspects that make Wimbledon's court so unique.
1. The Only Grass Grand Slam Court in the World
One thing that sets Wimbledon apart from the rest is that it is the only Grand Slam competition played on a natural grass surface. Natural grass improves the durability and strength of the court. Given the UK’s unpredictable weather, this is essential to ensure that great tennis can be played, rain or shine!
2. Player Agility
The grass surface also enhances the athletes’ performance on the court. While other Grand Slam courts use clay and hard surfaces to achieve an average speed and friction of the tennis ball, Wimbledon's grass surface provides less friction and more bounce. This allows the ball to be hit at staggering speeds. Therefore, any athlete wanting to excel at Wimbledon must be agile and fast to keep up!
3. Exactly Eight Millimetres
The grass at Wimbledon is meticulously mowed to ensure pristine conditions for players. One way this court is maintained is by ensuring that the lawn is exactly 8 millimetres in height. Wimbledon officials say that this height is optimal for both tennis and the durability of the grass. To achieve this, the court is mowed every single day leading up to the competition!
4. Labour of Love
Undeniably, the care that goes into the maintenance of this world-famous grass surface is unparalleled. In fact, the work that goes into this grass begins over 15 months in advance of each Wimbledon Championship. During this time, the court is constructed, the grass is sown, and a strict watering regime is put into place. Without a doubt, it's a labour of love!
5. Nine Tonnes of Grass
To achieve this pristine carpet of lush green grass, nine tonnes of grass seed must be planted. The particular grass used for the Wimbledon courts is perennial ryegrass, which gives the courts their iconic green colour while also providing protection against the wear and tear that occurs during tennis matches.
It’s clear from these five facts about the world’s most famous tennis championship that a lot of care and thought must go into maintaining a pristine grass court. Whether you are simply curious about Wimbledon’s grass or you are hoping to grow your own luscious court, these facts undoubtedly highlight the time and consideration that go into it! We at Prograss Bio want to take the hassle out of this process by providing products that effortlessly promote grass growth and provide long-lasting durability and strength to any grass surface. Visit our Product Page to learn more!
