Get ready for Wimbledon 2015
The world's most-famous tennis tournament – The Wimbledon Championships - gets under way on 29 June this year – running until 12 July. And fans should be more eager than ever before because they'll have had to wait 53 weeks instead of the normal 52 for this year's event. The tournament has been put back by a week in order to give competitors three weeks rather than just a fortnight to recover from the French Open and adjust from clay to grass.
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Why is it such a big deal?
As usual the action is taking place at the All England Club in – you guessed it – Wimbledon, South West London – where racquets have been swung and points scored since 1877. Wimbledon is one of the four "Grand Slam" events in the competitive tennis calendar – with the others being the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, the French Open at Roland Garros and the US Open at Flushing Meadows.
Who are the reigning champions?
Last year saw Petra Kvitova take the women's title with a convincing win over Eugenie Bouchard, while Novak Djokovic clinched victory over veteran champion Roger Federer in a closely fought five-set epic.
And what do the odds say for this year?
Novak Djokovic is the red-hot favourite with the bookies to take the men's title, almost on evens. He's closely followed by Andy Murray and Roger Federer – on around 3/1 and 5/1 respectively. The fourth big name in men's tennis, Rafael Nadal is a bit further out in the betting at odds ranging from 10/1 to 16/1. The odds for the women's title are even more decisive and it would take a brave punter to bet against Serena Williams, who is placed at around 2/1 by the bookies. Petra Kvitova is on around 4/1 and Maria Sharapova on 8/1.
Can I book tickets?
Most of the prime tickets are pre-allocated via an annual public ballot, with more spaces being taken for corporate hospitality, debenture sales and seats granted through grassroots and other community programmes. However a limited number of tickets are put on sale via Ticketmaster and at the club's turnstiles on the day before and the day itself respectively. It's often possible to buy a ticket giving admittance to the club's grounds, which also allows access to unreserved seating in courts 3 to 19. Tickets can be purchased for Centre Court and courts 1 and 2 on the day – but there are not many available so it's not something you should count on.
Many visitors unable to get into these courts to see the big names opt to view the big screen on Henman Hill (aka Murray Mount), a grassy bank within the grounds of the club. Check out the club's site for the full lowdown on tickets.
What if I can't make it to London?
As usual the BBC will be providing extensive coverage of the tournament, with broadcasting split between BBC One and BBC Two – and usually running from late morning to just before 9pm.
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Are you looking forward to Wimbledon this year? Leave a comment below...
