LONDON — Thousands of tennis fans descended on Wimbledon Park early Monday morning, forming a queue that stretched over a mile long, as the All England Club opened its gates for the first day of the 2024 Championships. More than 10,000 eager spectators waited patiently—some overnight—for their chance to witness the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament.
The scene was described by veteran attendees as "like a parallel universe", with fans wrapped in blankets, sipping tea, and playing cards under overcast skies. The queue, a Wimbledon tradition, is as much a part of the tournament’s charm as strawberries and cream. Many arrived as early as 3 a.m., armed with folding chairs and umbrellas, determined to secure coveted grounds passes or last-minute show court tickets.
A Tradition Unlike Any Other
The Wimbledon queue is a unique phenomenon in professional sports. Unlike ticketing systems for other major tournaments, Wimbledon reserves a portion of daily tickets—including for Centre Court and Court One—for on-the-day sales. This policy ensures that even those without pre-purchased tickets have a chance to experience the action live.
"It’s part of the magic," said Sarah Thompson, a 42-year-old teacher from Kent who has queued every year since 2010. "There’s a camaraderie here you won’t find anywhere else. People share food, swap stories, and bond over their love of tennis."
How the Queue Works
The system is meticulously organized, with stewards distributing numbered wristbands to maintain order. Key details for hopeful attendees include:
- Queue opens at 6 a.m., but many arrive the night before.
- Grounds passes (starting at £30) offer access to unreserved seating on Courts 3–18.
- A limited number of show court tickets (Centre, No. 1, No. 2) are released daily.
- Only one ticket per person is allowed to deter scalping.
Record-Breaking Turnout
This year’s opening-day queue surpassed expectations, with officials confirming over 10,000 attendees by mid-morning. The surge was attributed to several factors:
- The return of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who opens play on Centre Court.
- A star-studded lineup, including Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek.
- Improved weather forecasts after a rainy lead-up.
"We haven’t seen numbers like this since pre-pandemic," said All England Club spokesperson Rebecca James. "The demand reflects the global appeal of Wimbledon and the passion of our fans."
Memorable Moments in the Queue
For many, the queue is as memorable as the matches. In 2019, a group of Australian fans famously dressed as kangaroos to celebrate Ashleigh Barty’s title run. This year, a contingent of Polish supporters waved flags in anticipation of Świątek’s first-round match.
"I met my best friend in this queue five years ago," said Mark Reynolds, a 28-year-old accountant from London. "Now we camp out together every year. It’s our tradition."
The Spirit of Wimbledon
Beyond the tennis, the queue embodies the tournament’s ethos of tradition and fair play. Volunteers distribute free tea and biscuits, while veteran queuers mentor first-timers on strategy. The atmosphere is festive yet orderly—a testament to British civility.
"It’s not just about the tennis," said 65-year-old Margaret Hayes, who has attended Wimbledon for 30 years. "It’s about being part of something bigger. The queue is where stories are made."
Looking Ahead
With two weeks of play ahead, the queue will remain a fixture. For those unable to secure tickets, large screens in Wimbledon Park offer free live coverage, ensuring no fan leaves disappointed.
As the gates opened at 10:30 a.m., the crowd erupted in cheers. For the thousands who waited hours—or even days—the reward was simple: "We’re here. We made it. This is Wimbledon."