Wimbledon Stories: Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

Welcome everyone 🎾 🏆

This is the 10th edition of the “Wimbledon Stories by Edem Spio” newsletter. Every week I’ll share stories of the many aspects of the Greatest Tennis Grand Slam in the world as a build up to this year’s The Championships! For fellow Tennis lovers as myself, I hope you end up loving Wimbledon – if you already haven’t – as you interact with these stories. For non-tennis fans, I hope you enjoy my weekly pieces!

P.S. As you can clearly tell (from the newsletter's photo), I am a massive Federer fan. I’ve been following him actively since childhood and he’s one of the inspirations behind this newsletter - let him know! Roger is and will always be the Tennis GOAT!

Let’s begin!

Although this newsletter is strictly dedicated to The Championships, Wimbledon , I want to take this moment to congratulate Novak Djokovic for yet another amazing performance at the #rolandgarros. With 23 grand slam titles to his name, one will argue that he is the undisputed best men's tennis player of all time. Albeit Novak having three more than Federer, Roger is still my tennis G.O.A.T and that won't change anytime soon. Hopefully, either Casper, Carlos, Stefanos or Nick can win The Championships for me this year!

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is the largest tennis museum in the world. Since opening in 1977 - as part of Wimbledon's centenary celebrations - it houses the history of The Championships. It contains years and years of tennis memorabilia and it is the highlight experience for all who are passionate about connecting to the history of The Championships. Over the years, the museum has become one of the most in demand sports attractions for visitors of London - both from the UK and overseas - especially in the summer since The Championships begins in July.

One of the key factors considered when creating the Museum was the extensive private collection of Tom Todd, an avid and enthusiastic tennis historian back in the day. His collection comprised early tennis-themed Victoriana, tennis rackets, numerous books, pictures and periodicals.

A series of exhibitions at display zones as well as galleries enable visitors to interact with and experience how tennis - a pastime for the leisured classes of the Victorian era - became a global sport enjoyed by millions around the world. Some of the major highlights of the Museum are:

* The beautiful, scintillating Championship trophies (I cannot wait to see this);

* Videos which take visitors into the heart of the action of some of the most memorable and exciting matches in The Championships' history.

* Artifacts from the first Championships in 1877 and the early Victorian tennis years.

* Clothing, equipments and mementos belonging to many of the greatest players to grace and dominate Centre Court.

* A 3D cinematic video depicting the spirit of The Championships.

Although I'm yet to experience the Museum in its entire glory, the reviews and comments I've interacted with online say that there's no experience at the Museum without the engaging and exhilarating close-up experience of Centre Court. CentreCourt360 - the viewing pod for experiencing Centre Court - is located in the stands surrounding Centre Court. There are two adjacent interactive galleries as well touch-screen interaction that enables visitors to explore the many aspects of Centre Court.

I really love rackets and would one day love to get a signed one from a past, present of future tennis champion. Some unique rackets found in the Museum are:

* Roger Federer's Wilson 'K Factor Six-One Tour 90' racket which he used in the men's singles final in 2009.

* 'Arthur Ashe Competition' racket by Head which was made in 1975. It was the first fibreglass tennis racket which was laminated with metal.

* A signed 'Boris Becker Super' racket by Puma which was used during the 1988 Championships.

Wimbledon 's The Championships is the premium tennis event in the world. It is only fitting that the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum reflect the history, past and future of The Championships. The museum today holds an enviable and amazing collection of tennis artefacts and memorabilia. For those going for Wimbledon 2023, make sure to place an unforgettable Museum experience on your bucket list.

That's all for now folks! Make sure to tune in next week for more Wimbledon stories. Don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe to the newsletter! Wishing you a Championship Point week!