Its the time of year when everyone suddenly becomes a huge tennis fan as the 2015 Wimbledon Championships get underway. It means that the UK's summer has begun. Its now time to crack open the Pimms, eat a load of strawberries and then make a mad dash inside because it will inevitably start to rain. The hopes of Britain will once again be placed firmly on the shoulders of Andy Murray - unless he loses and then of course he will return to being Scottish - while Roger Federer looks to break more records. Novak Djokovic will try to defend his title, Serena Williams will continue her bid for a grand slam, and Maria Sharapovas harrowing grunts will rupture everyones eardrums. The tournament is a huge part of the sporting calendar not only in England but around the world. Close to 500,000 people will descend upon the home of The Wombles - with an estimated global audience of around 400 million - just to watch people hit a ball back-and-forth over a net. The event has managed to transcend sport and is now revered as much as a British institution and spot for tourists as much as it is tennis enthusiasts. It has an extremely long and storied history, so heres a look at some surprising facts about everyones favourite tennis tournament.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
