When Roger Federer secured his eighth Wimbledon title in 2017, he surpassed the record set by William Renshaw 128 years earlier. However, while Federer’s accomplishments have been remarkable, they pale in comparison to Renshaw’s contributions to the game of tennis. Renshaw, an Englishman, revolutionized the sport with three major innovations during his Wimbledon wins: the overarm serve, the smash, and a medical breakthrough for tennis elbow.
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is an incredible testament to the history of tennis. With its collection of 60,000 items, it surpasses any other museum of its kind. While the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Rhode Island celebrates famous players, it lacks the comprehensive and enlightening experience of the Wimbledon museum.
Located underground at the entrance of the Wimbledon complex, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of tennis. It provides a brief distraction for modern tennis fans and a deeper exploration for those interested in the sport’s rich history before the “Open Era” began in 1968.
The museum collection showcases the game’s evolution from its earliest days to the triumph of today’s champions. One pivotal moment in tennis history occurred in 1877 when the All England Croquet Club decided to hold an annual lawn tennis tournament, leading to the widespread popularity of the game.
A highlight of the museum is the display of the prestigious winners’ trophies. Curator Emma Traherne emphasizes that these trophies are invaluable due to the countless champions who have held them throughout history. While winners receive replicas, the original trophies are housed in glass cases, allowing visitors to take selfies next to them and marvel at the engraved names. To accommodate future champions, the men’s trophy even required an additional plinth in 2009.
The museum also features interactive games for visitors to test their reflexes and explore different racket materials and clothing throughout history. Visitors can experience the weight of the trophies and understand the challenges faced by early players. For instance, the introduction of the white-clothes rule in the 1880s aimed to conceal sweat stains, a significant concern for middle-class women of the time.
Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers a blend of old and new technologies. Visitors can enjoy an audio tour narrated by Andy Murray, complete with commentary from John McEnroe. They can also view a diverse range of racket designs, including unique creations like “The Handler,” featuring double handles, and watch videos capturing historic moments in tennis.
The museum doesn’t shy away from the sport’s origins, displaying images of French monks playing a precursor to tennis in the 12th century. The evolution of tennis is evident as visitors encounter protective gloves that eventually transformed into rackets. One intriguing document dates back to November 3, 1623, noting the payment made to a man named John Webb, possibly the world’s first tennis professional, for his instruction to the future King Charles I.
Throughout the museum, visitors gain fascinating insights into tennis history. For example, “service” comes from Henry VIII’s practice of having servants hit his first shot, and “love” evolved from the French word “l’oeuf” meaning “egg,” resembling a zero. Scores like 15, 30, and 40 originated from Royal Tennis players using points on a clock face, and “deuce” likely originates from “deux,” meaning two more points are needed to win the game. Even the word “tennis” may have stemmed from “tenez,” meaning “hold” or “look out.”
Many exhibits were acquired through auctions or donated by members of the public, who stumbled upon them during their own clear-outs. One of the museum’s favorite finds was a red-painted wooden box that Major Walter Wingfield discovered in a storeroom. This box played a crucial role in shaping modern tennis, as it contained all the necessary equipment, including rules and racquets, and standardized the game across locations. Wingfield’s marketing strategy of selling the box sets to royalty, aristocrats, and politicians further elevated the sport’s popularity.
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is not just a celebration of champions; it is a comprehensive and engaging experience that delves into the rich history of tennis. Visitors can immerse themselves in the evolution of the game and gain a deeper appreciation for the innovations and figures that helped shape it into the beloved sport we know today.
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