Wimbledon’s iconic tennis tournament, set to begin on June 30, brings together stars like Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka to compete on its legendary grass courts. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London hosts this grand event each summer, showcasing its historic courts in a tradition-filled setting that continues to captivate sports lovers worldwide.

Spanning over 42 acres in southwest London, Wimbledon is more than a tennis tournament—it’s a celebration of the sport’s heritage with 55 courts spread across the grounds. The venue includes 18 prestigious Championship grass courts, supplemented by 20 grass practice courts and eight American clay courts. Managed by the club’s Head of Courts and Horticulture, Neil Stubley, each court plays a unique role in this sporting sanctuary, ready to witness the drama and determination of the finest players.

The Heart of Wimbledon: Centre Court and Its Surrounding Show Courts

At the center of the Wimbledon experience stands Centre Court, the tournament’s most famous and revered arena. Originally built in 1922 by architect Stanley Peach, the court was constructed in just eight months and initially seated approximately 14,000 spectators. Over the years, it has evolved, both in structure and stature, regaining its central position on the grounds by 1980 as the complex expanded. Today, Centre Court accommodates nearly 15,000 fans and features a modern retractable roof added in 2009, providing shelter during England’s unpredictable weather. This venue hosts the men’s and women’s singles finals, showcasing moments of tennis glory steeped in history, having endured repairs following World War II bombings.

Nearby, No.1 Court holds the title of the second-largest stadium at Wimbledon. Opened in 1997 as a replacement for the original Court No.1, this modern structure boasts a seating capacity of 12,345 after a 2019 expansion, which included adding a retractable roof. Known for high-intensity matches, No.1 Court is a stage where champions rise and fall, embodying the sport’s competitive spirit just steps from Centre Court’s grandeur.

No.2 Court offers a contrasting history as Wimbledon’s “Graveyard of Champions.” This nickname reflects its reputation for hosting unexpected upsets by legends such as Pete Sampras and Serena Williams. Rebuilt in 2009 on the site of the old Court 13, it seats nearly 4,000 spectators and carries an aura that no competitor can take victory for granted on its turf.

Court No.3, also redesigned in 2009 on the original grounds of Court No.2, has earned fame for its spirited matches and memorable moments. One highlight in recent history occurred in 2017, when Kim Clijsters invited a fan to play points with her on court, dressed in one of her white skirts. This court regularly hosts entertaining contests, adding a lively flavor to the tournament.

Additional Show Courts and the Stages for Rising Stars

SW19’s lineup of show courts extends beyond the top three, featuring Courts 12 and 18 as key stages for players and fans alike. Court 12, with its mini-stadium seating 1,736, offers excellent views, including a striking perspective of the City of London skyline, blending tradition with a modern backdrop.

Court 18, set into the slope of Henman Hill, carries a special place in tennis lore. Here, Court 11 witnessed the longest tennis match in history during the 2011 event between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, lasting over 11 hours across three days. A plaque at Court 18 commemorates this epic confrontation, making the venue as meaningful as it is picturesque.

The broader outdoor court collection stretches north and south of Centre Court, presenting Courts 4 through 17, plus Court 19 located east of No.1 Court. This array provides fans many opportunities to watch emerging talent and surprise storylines unfold, reinforcing Wimbledon as a vibrant, living stage for tennis’s future stars.

Practice Facilities and Hidden Courts Supporting Championship Preparation

Away from the spotlight, Wimbledon supports its elite competition with 22 immaculate grass practice courts situated in Aorangi Park, north of the main complex. These quiet courts foster intense training sessions, where players focus on honing their skills before stepping into the public eye.

Complementing the grass surfaces, the venue includes eight clay courts, five indoor courts, and two acrylic courts, bringing the total number of courts at Wimbledon to 55. This expansive range ensures all-weather play and supports year-round training for club members and elite players alike, as well as national tennis organizations.

Watching Wimbledon Live in the United States

For fans in the U.S., Wimbledon’s matches are accessible through ESPN, which became the tournament’s official American broadcaster in 2012 and holds coverage rights through 2035. The tournament’s action streams across ESPN’s platforms, including ABC and the Tennis Channel, with in-depth highlights and analysis.

ESPN+ offers comprehensive streaming of every match, from the iconic Centre Court battles to the most exciting games on the outer courts, providing tennis enthusiasts thorough and uninterrupted access. Additionally, the Fubo platform aggregates these channels, offering a broad sports package with a free trial and plans starting around $85 monthly, creating an all-in-one viewing option for tennis and other sports fans.

Anticipation Builds as Top Players Prepare for Wimbledon Glory

As the tournament nears, players like Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka are poised to take on Wimbledon’s unique challenge. Each court sets a distinct atmosphere for battles that blend tradition, athleticism, and intense competition. Whether on Centre Court with thousands of fans or on smaller show courts that foster close-up encounters, every match adds to the unfolding story of this revered tennis championship.

Wimbledon’s blend of historic courts, passionate spectators, and elite competitors continues to define it as the ultimate tournament on grass, where legends are made and hopefuls chase their dreams. With the enduring charm of its all-white dress code and cherished traditions, Wimbledon remains an unmatched sporting sanctuary eagerly followed by fans across the globe.