Wimbledon, perhaps the most famed of the four major professional tennis, or grand slam, tournaments, is held each year in England in the town of Wimbledon, west of London. Played on grass courts, the tournament is hosted at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
In 2009, Wimbledon was held from June 22 to July 5. In the gentlemen's singles final, Roger Federer defeated Andy Roddick in the longest fifth set in tournament history.
In the 2009 ladies Wimbeldon final, Serena Williams defeated her sister Venus Williams to win the championship.http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hT3o2f-srnk_cMS85xWpXJ426uQQ
Wimbledon champion Roger Federer became a father on July 23, 2009 when his wife Mirka gave birth to twin baby girls; Charlene Riva and Myla Rose. http://twitter.com/Wimbledon
Beginnings of Wimbledon
The first event on the grass courts of The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club was in 1877, where a Gentleman's Singles tournament was played for 200 spectators. Because the court was placed in the middle of the audience, it was titled "Centre Court". By 1884, a Ladies Singles tournament was played and by the turn of the century, Wimbledon became known around the world for prestigious tennis.Wimbledon: History
Legends of Wimbledon
References
Fast Facts
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2009 Singles Champions
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Fact:
Lawn tennis was first introduced by Walter Clopton WingfieldWimbledon: History
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1968
Became open to amateurs and professionals
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Fact:
Players must wear (predominantly) white
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Fact:
No games played on the traditional "Middle Sunday" off-day
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2008 Men's Singles Champion
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2008 Women's Singles Champion
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Fact:
Beginning in 2009, a retractable roof protects the famed Centre Court from the notorious rain delays of years past.
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Three other major tournaments held each year
Australian Open, French Open and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships
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2009 Tournament Dates
June 22, - July 5, 2009
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Defending Champ Nadal Withdraws
June 19th - Just days before the start - 'Rafa' is out due to knee injury
