Alright, let’s talk about when I actually managed to get to Wimbledon back in 2017. It felt like something I’d wanted to do forever, you know? Seeing it on TV is one thing, but being there… yeah, different league.
Getting tickets was the first hurdle. Forget the ballot, never had any luck there. It always felt like winning the lottery. So, the plan was the good old queue. Heard stories about it, thought I’d give it a proper go. It wasn’t exactly fun, getting up at silly o’clock and waiting, but there was a weird sort of camaraderie with everyone else doing the same thing. Swapping stories, sharing snacks, that kind of stuff. Felt like a bit of a mission.
Managed to get grounds passes after a fair bit of waiting. Honestly, just getting in felt like a win. Didn’t have Centre Court tickets or anything fancy, but I didn’t really care that much. Just wanted to soak it all up.
Prep for the Day
Didn’t go crazy planning what to wear. Just comfy clothes, sensible shoes because I knew I’d be walking miles. Chucked a light jacket in my bag, sun cream too – you never know with British weather, right? Packed some water and a few bits to eat to save a bit of cash, though I knew I’d end up buying the strawberries and cream. You just have to, don’t you?
Getting There and First Impressions
The tube ride was buzzing. You could spot who was heading the same way. Everyone seemed pretty excited. Then the walk from the station, seeing the signs, the crowds getting bigger. It really builds the atmosphere.
Going through security took a bit, as expected, but then you’re finally in. It’s greener than you think, and smaller, more intimate than it looks on telly. The noise hits you first – the murmur of the crowd, the pop of tennis balls from courts all around you. It’s just… Wimbledon. Everywhere you look, something’s happening.
Exploring the Grounds
Spent the first hour or so just wandering. It’s amazing how close you can get to the outside courts. Stood by Court 14 for a bit, watched some doubles. Then moved to another court, caught the end of a singles match I didn’t know the players of, but it was still gripping stuff. You really appreciate the skill up close.
Saw Henman Hill, or Murray Mound, whatever you call it. Packed, obviously. People just chilling, watching the big screen. Grabbed those strawberries eventually. Overpriced? Yeah, probably. Worth it? Absolutely. Sat on the grass, ate them, watched the world go by.
- Walked past the practice courts – sometimes you catch a big name warming up.
- Checked out the scoreboards – the old-school ones are cool.
- Just soaked in the vibe – lots of Pimm’s being drunk!
Watching the Tennis
Found a spot with a decent view of one of the numbered courts later in the afternoon. The match went on for ages, back and forth. You get properly invested, even if you don’t know the players. The crowd reactions, the gasps, the applause – being part of that is brilliant. You hear the squeak of the shoes on the grass, the effort in their breathing. It’s intense.
Didn’t see any mega-stars up close playing a full match, but honestly, the whole experience wasn’t just about that. It was about the place itself.
Wrapping Up
Stayed till quite late, didn’t want to leave really. Feet were aching from all the walking and standing. Headed back to the tube with everyone else, tired but happy. It felt like a proper day out, something ticked off the list.
Looking back, Wimbledon 2017 was ace. Stressful getting in via the queue, yeah, but totally worth the effort. Just being there, feeling the history and the buzz of it all. Would I queue again? Maybe not now I’m a bit older, haha, but glad I did it that way once. Proper experience.
