Why is Wimbledon so special?

Imagine a summer day in London, the air buzzing with anticipation, a bowl of strawberries and cream in hand, and the thwack of a tennis ball echoing across lush green courts. That’s Wimbledon, folks. It’s not just a tournament; it’s a love letter to tennis, wrapped in tradition and sprinkled with modern magic. The 2025 edition, capped by Jannik Sinner’s heart-pounding four-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final, reminded us why this event is the gold standard of the sport. From its quirky customs to its pristine grass, let’s unpack what makes Wimbledon so special, with a front-row seat to that epic Sinner-Alcaraz showdown.

The Grass That Steals the Show

Wimbledon’s grass courts are the heart of its charm. Made of 100% perennial ryegrass, mowed to a precise eight millimeters, these courts are a rare breed in today’s tennis world. They’re fast, slippery, and demand a game that’s equal parts finesse and guts.

In 2025, those courts were the stage for a classic: Jannik Sinner versus Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final, a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. The grass forced both players to adapt, with Sinner’s laser-like serves and Alcaraz’s acrobatic volleys painting a masterpiece on Centre Court.

Grass courts are practically extinct elsewhere. Most tournaments lean on hard courts or clay, but Wimbledon’s green canvas is a nod to tennis’s Victorian roots.

In 2025, the grass also saw Iga Swiatek’s 6-0, 6-0 demolition in the women’s final, a performance so dominant it felt like she was playing a different sport. And here’s the kicker: this year, electronic line judges debuted, replacing human calls with pinpoint accuracy. It’s a modern twist that keeps the game fair while preserving the court’s old-school soul.

Iga Świątek is a champion at Wimbledon! 🇵🇱🏆

The Polish star takes her 6th Grand Slam after a convincing win over Amanda Anisimova. pic.twitter.com/HzkZ8sH2SI

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 12, 2025

Traditions

Wimbledon’s traditions are what make it feel like home, even if you’re just watching on TV. The all-white dress code, a holdover from when sweating was deemed unladylike, gives the tournament a crisp, timeless vibe. In 2025, players like Frances Tiafoe tried sneaking in some flair with white sneakers sporting a hint of neon, but the All England Club wasn’t having it. The rule keeps everyone equal, letting the tennis do the talking. Honestly, there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing everyone in pristine whites, like they’re all part of the same exclusive club.

Then there’s the food. Strawberries and cream aren’t just a snack; they’re a ritual. In 2025, fans scarfed down over 190,000 servings of those sweet, juicy berries paired with rich cream. It’s like a taste of summer itself.

Another quirky tradition? Rufus the Hawk, swooping over the grounds to keep pigeons at bay. He’s been at it since 2000, and in 2025, he was still the unsung hero of the tournament. Add in the royal patronage and you’ve got a vibe that’s equal parts regal and cozy. These traditions aren’t just window dressing; they weave a thread of continuity that ties every Wimbledon to the first one in 1877.

Sinner vs. Alcaraz: The Final

The main event, the 2025 men’s final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, was a full-on tennis blockbuster. These two, both in their early twenties, are the future of the sport, and their rivalry is already the stuff of legend. Coming off a gut-wrenching loss to Alcaraz in the French Open final, where he blew a two-set lead and three match points, Sinner was on a mission. The Wimbledon final, a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 nail-biter, was his redemption.

Alcaraz came out swinging, snagging the first set 6-4 with a mix of blistering forehands and impossible gets that left the crowd gasping.

But Sinner, cool as a cucumber, flipped the script in the second set. His forehand winner on set point—a rocket down the line—had Alcaraz shaking his head in disbelief. The third set was a tug-of-war, with Sinner saving break points like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat. By the fourth, he found his groove to seal the deal.

The final score ended Alcaraz’s 20-match Wimbledon streak and his dream of a third straight title. What made this match special? It was a clash of styles and personalities. Alcaraz, with his infectious grin and all-court flair, versus Sinner, the stoic Italian with a game like a precision-engineered machine. Their rallies were like a chess match at 100 miles an hour, each player probing for weaknesses. Sinner’s win, his fourth Grand Slam and first at Wimbledon, shifted their head-to-head to 8-5 in Alcaraz’s favour. It’s the kind of match that makes you wonder if we’re witnessing the next Federer-Nadal rivalry? Only time will tell, but Centre Court hasn’t seen drama this good in years.

A DREAM REALIZED! 🏆🇮🇹

Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in an EPIC Wimbledon final to claim his first-ever title pic.twitter.com/WzVIrIHLHl

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 13, 2025

2025: A Tournament That Delivered

The 2025 edition wasn’t just about the final; it was a tournament packed with moments that’ll linger. Iga Swiatek’s 57-minute 6-0, 6-0 rout in the women’s final was a jaw-dropper, echoing Billie Jean King’s 1966 dominance. British hopes like Cameron Norrie, who reached the fourth round, and Emma Raducanu, who showed flashes of brilliance despite an early exit, gave the home crowd something to cheer for. Alfie Hewett’s wheelchair singles final run, though ending in a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss to Tokito Oda, was another highlight. With £53.5 million in prize money, including £1,056,000 for wheelchair events, Wimbledon showed it’s a stage for everyone.

Wimbledon knows how to evolve without losing its soul. The 2025 finals started at 4:00 PM instead of 2:00 PM, a nod to global audiences in the Americas. The retractable roof on Centre Court ensured play continued rain or shine, a far cry from the tarp-covered days of old. These tweaks, paired with the debut of electronic line judges, show Wimbledon’s knack for balancing tradition with progress. It’s your favourite old sweater, but with a shiny new zipper.

Fan Life

Wimbledon’s charm isn’t just the tennis; it’s the whole experience. The queue, where fans camp out overnight for tickets, is a badge of honor. In 2025, the LTA Wimbledon Ballots made tickets more accessible, with returned ones redistributed to eager fans. The grounds, with Centre Court’s sleek roof and No. 1 Court’s plush seats, feel like a tennis wonderland. You’re sipping Pimm’s, munching on strawberries, and soaking in an atmosphere that’s polite yet electric – silence during points, roars for winners. Royal patronage adds a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic.

In 2025, the Princess of Wales was there, continuing a tradition that dates back to the tournament’s start. It’s not just pomp; it makes you feel part of something historic. Whether you’re in the stands or watching on BBC’s free coverage, Wimbledon pulls you into its world. It’s like being invited to the coolest garden party, where the dress code is strict but the vibes are loose.

Wimbledon’s Timeless Spell

Wimbledon’s magic lies in its ability to feel both ancient and fresh. The 2025 edition, with Sinner’s epic win over Alcaraz, Swiatek’s masterclass, and those little modern touches like electronic line judges, proved why it’s tennis’s holy grail. Traditions like the all-white kit, strawberries and cream, and the queue keep it grounded in history, while the sport’s biggest stars keep it thrilling. Sinner’s triumph, a four-set masterpiece, was the cherry on top, showing that Wimbledon is where legends are born. So, next July, grab your Pimm’s and join the party – Wimbledon’s waiting.

---

By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)

Follow all the latest tennis and Wimbledon news here on 365Scores!