It’s one thing to watch Wimbledon on television. It’s a completely different ball game (pun intended) to breathe the Wimbledon air. Last year I had the privilege of going with Molly to the semi-finals and finals matches for an unforgettable experience. The grounds are beautiful. The fashions are everything. The tennis is magical. I honestly believe the air was different! Everything was organized, everyone orderly and well put together. I felt dignified just being in the midst…I was likely standing taller :-)
My favorite thing about Wimbledon - the tennis of course! Specifically, the atmosphere. Centre Court is intimate. The crowd is silent and still. You could literally hear a pin drop when the players serve. The commitment and intensity of the Ball Crew is unmatched. My favorite match was the Men’s Singles final where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Djokovic after almost five hours of play! (I can’t wait to see the outcome of this year’s rematch!). I was also excited to see Ons Jabeur play in the women’s singles final but she was ultimately defeated by Marketa Vondrousova. I misplaced my spare phone with most of my footage from this trip but my favorite Royal Box capture was none other than Issa Rae!
The ultimate weird flex (not sure if people still say that) is having hospitality. That was certainly the cherry on top of the experience. Lawn hospitality, which includes lunch from a Michelin star chef, cocktails, afternoon tea and music, is a nice chill vibe away from the crowds. I recommend indulging after a long day of tennis. It is July and it can get hot.
Most overrated thing about Wimbledon - strawberries and cream. I was not inspired. I’d also give a B- to the Pimm’s Cup. It was okay but Honey Deuce me please(US Open loyalists will agree!). Although I was pictured in front of the sausage grill, I did not get in line at that time and should have! Every other time I passed by, the line was 100+ people long and I did not end up getting one but I hear the sausage is amazing. The other thing I would do differently is check out the other courts. Even though we did walk the grounds, we spent most of our time at Centre Court and there is a lot of tennis going on leading up to the finals. I am experiencing FOMO this year as I’m stateside and not courtside. I cannot wait to get to another Wimbledon match - the grass, the florals, the fashion will be calling my name next July!
Reflecting on Wimbledon, it’s not an experience I would have pursued without intention. I could have easily kept watching it on TV. Now not only do I plan to return, I’m actively trying to get to all four of the grand slams.
Your call to action: What are you watching from the screen or sidelines that you simply haven’t tried to experience? Set a new goal or intention and then do it!
The ball is in your court,
Megan.
