Wimbledon 2026: Complete Guide to the Championships with Tickets, Favourites & Travel

Wimbledon 2026 is the crown jewel of the tennis calendar—the oldest, most prestigious tournament in the sport. Running from Monday, June 29 to Sunday, July 12, 2026, the 139th Championships return to the hallowed grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in southwest London. Whether you’re planning to attend in person, queue for a Grounds Pass, or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of Britain’s great sporting traditions, this comprehensive guide covers everything—from Wimbledon’s remarkable history and quirky traditions, to this year’s favourites, fascinating facts, ticket information, and where to stay for the tournament of a lifetime.

The History of Wimbledon

The club was originally founded in 1868 as the All England Croquet Club. Lawn tennis was introduced in 1877 to help boost the club’s popularity, and that first championship—officially called “The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club Meeting”—drew a crowd of around 200 spectators who each paid a shilling to watch. Women’s singles wasn’t introduced until 1884.

From the very beginning, Wimbledon distinguished itself through formality and tradition: players wore white, matches were watched in respectful near-silence, and the grass courts were maintained to immaculate standards. While the other three Grand Slams (the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open) eventually transitioned to hard or clay courts, Wimbledon has remained steadfastly loyal to grass—keeping the tournament connected to its roots as a lawn tennis club.

Wimbledon Through the Wars

Wimbledon’s resilience is part of its legend. During World War I, the grounds were used as a farm for livestock and growing vegetables. In World War II, the club became a base for fire and ambulance services—and even suffered bomb damage, with Centre Court hit by five bombs. Despite this, the tournament resumed just four years after the war ended. Wimbledon was only cancelled twice: during both World Wars, and once more in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Greatest Champions

Wimbledon’s grass has crowned the sport’s true legends. Roger Federer holds the record for most Gentlemen’s Singles titles with 8, closely pursued by Novak Djokovic with 7. On the women’s side, Martina Navratilova dominates history with an unmatched 9 singles titles, while Serena Williams defined the modern grass era with 7. These multiple champions reflect a key truth about Wimbledon: grass rewards players who learn to solve its unique puzzles.

Traditions & Quirks

No sporting event in the world clings to tradition quite like Wimbledon. These customs aren’t gimmicks—they’re the very essence of what makes the Championships special.

The All-White Dress Code

Players must wear almost entirely white attire—a rule introduced in Victorian times to hide perspiration, which was considered improper. The dress code is famously strict: “white does not include off-white or cream,” and it applies to shoes, headbands, wristbands, and even socks. Roger Federer was once asked to change his shoes because the soles were orange. Andre Agassi boycotted the tournament for three years over the dress code—then returned in 1991 in regulation white and won the title a year later. In 2023, the rules were relaxed slightly to allow women to wear dark undershorts, addressing period concerns.

Strawberries & Cream

The quintessential Wimbledon snack has been served since the very first tournament in 1877. The combination dates back to Tudor times, when Cardinal Thomas Wolsey reportedly served strawberries and cream at banquets in the 1500s. Today, fans consume over 1.9 million strawberries (around 38 tonnes) and 7,000 litres of cream during the fortnight. The strawberries are sourced daily from a farm in Kent to ensure peak freshness.

The Queue

Perhaps the most British tradition of all: people have been joining the famous Wimbledon Queue since 1927. Dedicated fans camp out overnight for the chance to buy same-day tickets, including limited Centre Court seats. It’s a celebrated ritual that embodies the egalitarian spirit of the Championships—anyone willing to wait can get in.

Rufus the Hawk

To keep the pristine grass courts free from pigeons, the All England Club employs Rufus the Harris hawk as its official “bird scarer.” Rufus patrols the grounds each morning before play and has become a minor celebrity with thousands of social media followers.

The Royal Box & Pimm’s

The Royal Box on Centre Court houses 74 prestigious seats and has welcomed royalty since 1922. Until 2003, players were required to bow or curtsy to the Royal Box. And no Wimbledon is complete without a glass of Pimm’s—the fruity summer cocktail is a fixture, with over 330,000 glasses sold during a typical fortnight.

Fascinating Wimbledon Facts

Wimbledon 2026 Overview

Key Dates

In a notable first, the All England Club is also staging “The Wimbledon Court in Central Park”—a four-day promotional event at Wollman Rink in New York City (June 26–29), concluding with a live screening of opening-day play to bring Wimbledon’s traditions to American fans.

Men’s Singles Favourites

The 2026 men’s draw has been dramatically reshaped by one major absence. Two-time champion and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn with a wrist injury (tendon-sheath inflammation picked up in April), removing the most obvious title rival and reshaping the entire tournament. With “Sincaraz” off the table, the picture has shifted decisively.

Jannik Sinner — The Heavy Favourite

The defending champion and world No. 1 enters as an overwhelming favourite, priced around 1/2 (-200) by most bookmakers. The 24-year-old Italian beat Alcaraz in four sets to win his maiden Wimbledon title in 2025—his fourth Grand Slam crown. Despite a surprising stumble at Roland Garros, his flat, penetrating baseline game and exceptional movement are tailor-made for grass. With Alcaraz out, Sinner is firmly the master of the house.

Novak Djokovic — The Eternal Threat

At 38, the seven-time Wimbledon champion remains the clear secondary force, priced around 5/1 (6.0). Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, and his unparalleled experience on the SW19 lawns means oddsmakers refuse to offer generous prices. Over five sets, he remains hugely dangerous—nobody knows how to solve Centre Court’s puzzles better.

The Chasing Pack

• Alexander Zverev (~9/1): Fresh off his French Open victory, the German’s towering serve handles fast grass perfectly. The logical third choice.
• Jack Draper: Britain’s best home hope. A 2024 US Open semi-finalist whose game suits grass, dreaming of feeding off a passionate home crowd.
• Ben Shelton (~20/1): Coming off a title at the Boss Open in Stuttgart, the big-serving American is now a legitimate contender rather than a long shot.
• Taylor Fritz: Another huge American serve that can trouble anyone in the early rounds.

Women’s Singles Favourites

The women’s draw is far more open and unpredictable—a delight for anyone who enjoys an upset. Notably, no player has won multiple Wimbledon titles since Serena Williams’s seventh in 2016, and the recent tournament history actively seems to resist repeat champions.

Aryna Sabalenka — The Favourite

The world No. 1 and projected top seed leads the market at around 10/3 (4.33). The Belarusian arrives with arguably the most complete grass-court profile—her explosive serve and high-velocity groundstrokes are tailor-made for the fast, skidding lawns. After three straight Wimbledon semi-final exits, Sabalenka has clear unfinished business at the All England Club, and grass perfectly suits her power game.

Iga Świątek — The Defending Champion

Remarkably, the defending champion is only third favourite at around 7/1—reflecting how open the draw is. Świątek won her maiden grass-court title in 2025 as a low seed, completing a remarkable transition from her clay-court dominance. Her improved movement and adapted game on grass proved decisive, and she’ll be dangerous defending her crown.

The Contenders

• Elena Rybakina (~4/1): The 2022 champion knows exactly how to win here. Her dominant serve gives her leverage in tight matches on fast grass.
• Mirra Andreeva (~7/1): The young star’s tactical intelligence and fearless shot selection are remarkably advanced. A genuine danger to anyone.
• Coco Gauff (~12/1): Overdue for a Wimbledon breakthrough. Improved confidence and athleticism make her a threat, if she can maximize her game on grass.
• Emma Raducanu (~25/1): The British No. 1 is one of Wimbledon’s most compelling storylines. Home support could fuel real momentum if she arrives in form.
• Amanda Anisimova (~12/1): The 2025 Wimbledon finalist is seeking to go one step further this year.

Serena Williams Returns

Other notable wildcards include Grigor Dimitrov and Stan Wawrinka in the men’s draw—with Wawrinka making his final Wimbledon appearance before retiring later in 2026.

Tickets & The Queue

Wimbledon tickets are among the most sought-after in sport. There are several routes to securing your spot at the Championships:

Ticket Options

• Resale & Hospitality (via Ticombo): The most reliable way to guarantee specific dates and courts without the uncertainty of the ballot or queue.
• The Public Ballot: The traditional route, where applicants enter a lottery months in advance for the chance to buy tickets.
• The Queue: Around 500 Centre Court, No.1 Court, and No.2 Court tickets are released each day for those who queue in person—plus Grounds Passes.
• Grounds Passes: Allow access to the grounds, outer courts, and Henman Hill big screen. Prices start around £30 on early days.

Ticket Prices (Guide)

Official pricing varies by day and court. On Day 1, the best Centre Court seats start around £115, while Grounds Passes are about £33. By the finals (Day 14), top Centre Court seats can reach £350. Note that hospitality and debenture tickets are priced separately and offer premium experiences.

Getting to Wimbledon

By London Underground (Tube)

The All England Club is best reached via:

• Southfields (District Line): The closest Tube station, about a 15-minute walk to the grounds (or shuttle bus). The recommended option.
• Wimbledon (District Line & National Rail): Slightly further, with shuttle buses running to the venue.
• Wimbledon Park (District Line): Another nearby option, roughly a 12-minute walk.

By National Rail

Wimbledon station is served by South Western Railway and Thameslink, with direct trains from London Waterloo taking under 20 minutes. From there, a dedicated shuttle bus service runs to the grounds during the Championships.

By Bus & Shuttle

London buses 93 and 200 stop near the grounds. During the tournament, official shuttle buses run from Wimbledon station. Driving and parking are strongly discouraged—public transport is far more efficient given the crowds.

Where to Stay for Wimbledon

London offers accommodation for every budget. You can stay close to the All England Club in leafy southwest London, or base yourself centrally and commute in. Here are the best options:

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Neighbourhoods & Distance

Booking Strategy

Wimbledon fortnight is one of London’s busiest periods—accommodation near the venue books up months ahead and prices surge. Book as early as possible (ideally 2–3 months out) for the best rates. Use the Stay22 widget above to compare options across Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hotels.com in one search.

Note: This post contains affiliate links via Stay22. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we’d genuinely suggest.

Explore London Around the Tennis

Wimbledon is the perfect anchor for a London summer trip. Between matches—or on rest days—here’s how to make the most of the capital:

Near the Venue

• Wimbledon Common: 1,140 acres of green space for walks, windmills, and a proper escape from the crowds.
• Wimbledon Village: Upscale boutiques, gastropubs, and cafés with a genuine village charm.
• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum: The world’s largest tennis museum, on-site at the All England Club—open year-round.
• Richmond Park: Nearby royal park with roaming deer and stunning views from King Henry’s Mound.

Classic London

• The British Museum: World-class collections, free entry. The Rosetta Stone and Egyptian galleries are unmissable.
• Tower of London & Tower Bridge: Crown Jewels, medieval history, and iconic Thames views.
• Borough Market: London’s best food market—perfect for a long lunch between matches.
• West End Theatre: Catch a show in the evening after a day at the tennis.

Book Tours & Experiences

Discover guided tours, food experiences, and activities in London:

More Live Events This Summer

Planning more trips around live events? Check out our other guides:

Frequently Asked Questions