The historical impact of player unity and boycotts. Wimbledon’s ever-evolving traditions and the sport’s ultimate pilgrimage. The passionate culture surrounding tennis.
Fifty Years Ago the Men Boycotted Wimbledon. That Changed Everything: The walkout was the result of the tennis federation banning Nikola Pilic, an instance of player unity that is still felt today. Full Story: The New York Times
Wimbledon: The controversy of tennis’s strict 146-year-old dress code: For the first time in 146 years, Wimbledon has changed its women’s dress code. But, this being Wimbledon, the change is glacial rather than radical: players are now allowed to wear dark-colored undershorts. Full Story: BBC
Want a Last-Minute Ticket to Wimbledon? No Problem. Just Get in Line: Thousands are waiting, even camping out, in rainy England for a chance to see one Wimbledon match. For some, it is an annual ritual, a pilgrimage for the love of tennis. Full Story: The New York Times
At Wimbledon, the Grass Isn’t Quite the Grass Anymore: Surface speeds at the Grand Slam tournaments have converged over the past two decades making all the majors play more like hard courts or clay—and giving Novak Djokovic a little more longevity. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal
It has been grim for U.S. men’s tennis at Grand Slams, but there’s hope: The glory days of American men’s tennis had one glowing constant: plenty of success at Wimbledon. But since Pete Sampras last won at Wimbledon more than two decades ago, these have been lean times for the U.S. men at the All England Club, a symbolic snapshot of their broader disappointments on the world stage. Full Story: The Washington Post
Could there be a new Big Three emerging in tennis? Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina, the top three ranked players in the world, have combined to win the last five majors. And their collective success has created a legendary comparison from some of the sport’s most respected voices. Full Story: ESPN
Tennis Racquet Sales at Specialty Stores Slow Down in Early 2023: Unit sales of tennis racquets in specialty tennis stores dropped by 7% in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the same period a year ago, reports Sports Marketing Surveys USA. Despite this, the market remains strong compared to the pre-pandemic period. Full Story: Racquet Sports Industry
Bagel Is the Tennis Magazine Charting the Sport’s Thrilling New Wave: Bagel, a new magazine for tennis obsessives, began as any self-respecting magazine for tennis obsessives should: on the court. “I play tennis with one of my cofounders, Julian [Cirrone], who’s also a tennis coach,” says Stuart Brumfitt, Bagel’s editor. “We were talking about tennis magazines, and we both felt there was room for something new—something that matched how the game is changing quite significantly right now.” Full Story: Vogue
‘Popsicle’ Tennis: Popsicle stick tennis is a great way to meet other players and play with a variety of people. Full Story: Orillia Matters
Stringer Things: The world of professional tennis stringing is one often overlooked and under-appreciated by the tennis community. Recently, two young Texas stringers have been rising through the ranks of pro stringers. Full Story: USTA Texas (Editorial Note: Great article, Kyle!)
Respect Yourself, Others, and the Game: Respect is essential to playing tennis, in how you treat yourself and others. Learn the importance of respect and how it can enhance your game. Full Story: USTA
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 7/3-16 | Wimbledon | Grand Slam | London |
| 7/10-15 | Nordea Open | WTA 125 | Bastad, Sweden |
| 7/10-16 | Grand Est Open 88 | WTA 125 | France |
Just to clarify… the dress code at Wimbledon allows Ladies to wear coloured undershorts – not the men.
I must admit I didn’t see the need to change the rule. Ladies had coped with the situation for a 100 years or more….
Since not all Ladies wore coloured undershorts, I wondered if that could perhaps be used to advantage by someone wearing all white?