Too many people take Wimbledon tickets for granted

Growing up, the idea of even attending Wimbledon as a fan and taking a seat on Centre Court seemed a far off dream, writes Jamie Braidwood

A press pass gets you up close to the game’s top players, like Rafael Nadel (PA)

There is no better event to cover than Wimbledon, I was told, and rarely have I felt as privileged as a sports writer than when passing the long queues to enter the grounds on the opening day of this year’s Championships.

Growing up, the idea of even attending Wimbledon as a fan and taking a seat on Centre Court seemed a far off dream, let alone reporting on the drama and tension of the tournament and witnessing the action unfold in front of my eyes. So far, the experience has certainly delivered and despite the long hours and late nights I have been left desperate for more.

Media accreditation at SW19 allows us journalists incredible access at the All England Club. From taking a wander down to the practice courts to see the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic hit with absorbing power from up close, to the buzz of having the hottest ticket in town and watching Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu deliver a victory in front of their home crowd.

Harmony Tan’s thrilling, three-hour win over the returning Serena Williams was the match of the first week and I was lucky to be on Centre Court as the final set tiebreak was played out late into the night. Elsewhere, the electric atmosphere in the tight press conference room between Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas following their fiery third-round clash was up there with one of my most memorable experiences as a journalist.

Something that has left a sour taste, however, has been the swathes of empty seats on Centre Court during some of the biggest matches of the tournament. While at Wimbledon this week, I have constantly tried to remind myself of the fortunate position of my access by remembering the tennis fan who in previous years queued for hours in the slim, and ultimately unfulfilled hope, of watching Murray on Centre Court.

Of course, some – but by no means all – of the empty seats can be attributed to the latest rise in Covid cases. But to see fit and healthy holders of hospitality tickets continually turn down the same privilege I’ve enjoyed this year has been an insult to those forced to make do with TV coverage. Wimbledon is a special place, and it becomes more so when walking around SW19, but I have been left with a nagging feeling this week that there are too many people who take it for granted.

Yours,

Jamie Braidwood

Sports reporter