During a Wimbledon first-round match this year between Harriet Dart and Zhuoxuan Bai, the umpire had to temporarily stop play to direct a ball person to remove a wine cork from the court. This moment brought me great joy. It is also a good springboard for examining one of the traditional rules and customs of the Championships that make Wimbledon a truly unique fan experience.
The Wimbledon app and official website provide a wealth of information about the tournament. One of the unique policies of The Championships is that fans are allowed to bring in food and limited amounts of alcoholic beverages. The limit for wine is one 750mL bottle per person. That means that if the trophy husband and I were to attend the tournament, we could bring in two full-sized bottles of wine — much more than what we normally consume on any given day.
Consequently, when umpire Fergus Murphy had to direct the ball person to remove the cork that flew onto the court during the match between Dart and Bai, there is a very good chance it wasn’t purchased on the grounds. Murphy added to the levity of the moment by suggesting that courtside fans only open bottles during the changeovers.
The clip of the incident that ESPN posted to YouTube features a title that suggests the cork came from a bottle of Champagne. I’d be willing to wager that it was actually prosecco or some other sparkling varietal. However, that is just the wine snob in me coming out. To double down on that idea, when I fulfill the “Attend Wimbledon” entry on my bucket list, I will do so over glasses of high-quality wine purchased offsite.
Wimbledon is the only major tournament that allows fans to bring in outside alcohol. Yet, its spectators are regarded as the most genteel and polite. Examining the alcohol options from the Hill Larder reveals that fans can purchase canned Gin & Tonic, Pimm’s Cups, and canned wine at that location. The Wimbledon attendees aren’t exactly swilling cheap beer. The relatively upscale drink options are one more factor that contributes to the sophisticated vibe.
If you ever have the opportunity to attend Wimbledon, remember that you can bring your own bottle of wine. However, if you opt for a sparkling varietal, wait for a changeover to open it.
We feel very blessed we are able to attend for at least one day a year.
Tickets are now ‘digital’ and are downloaded to your smartphone. Entering through the gates, you need to display the ticket QR code on your phone and some form of photo ID and then you proceed to a table to have your hamper checked. Security are affable and will happily check you have wine or drinks cans, corkscrew, glasses, sandwiches, strawberries and cream to make sure you are set to go!
The cork would have, more probably, been Champagne. They sell it in bottles inside the grounds nicely presented in a tennis-ball cloth covered jacket. (https://www.johnlewis.com/lanson-le-black-creation-limited-edition-wimbledon-gift-75cl/p111617771?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_home_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwqMO0BhA8EiwAFTLgIPmO_9lh9XwQPrk86ytzbc-u2jBxXRPJ-O7zVBwO-7nsx3OaGjSPGxoCjsMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
This is the only way to watch tennis isn’t it? We call it ‘civilized’!
Last year a chair umpire allegedly announced, “Please don’t pop your corks during play”, which drew loud applause.
I recall attending the Miami open, on a searingly hot day, and walking up to the entrance with a half empty bottle of water in hand and being told I could not take the bottle into the grounds. I had to buy water inside the grounds.
Quiet please!…I forgot to mention the free filtered, cooled water stations where you can refill your bottles and the free phone charging lockers… Attention to detail to make visitors comfortable appears to be the aim of the Championships at Wimbledon.