Since 2022, ball boys and ball girls also now take part in the Qualifying Competition, which takes place during the week before The Championships.
Wimbledon was the first tennis tournament to introduce ball boys in the 1920s, and ball girls were introduced from 1977. Since 1946, the ball boys and ball girls have been selected from schools in the local area.
These days, approximately 280 ball boys and ball girls work throughout the Fortnight, with the age range spanning from 14 to 19. Training usually begins in February, with the weekly sessions normally lasting between two and two-and-a-half hours.
These training sessions involve general fitness and movement exercises, circuits, core skills (rolling, feeding, receiving, working on knowledge of the game), scoring (knowing from the score at which end the balls should be) and set pieces (marching, the start and end of a match, tie-breaks, ball change, suspended play, and so on).
Training on grass itself takes place only towards the end of the programme and includes a grass court week on both The Championships courts and at Aorangi during the wild card playoffs.
Since 2006, Ralph Lauren have acted as the Official Outfitter of The Championships, responsible for designing the uniforms worn by the ball boys and ball girls, greenspeople and on-court officials.
The Championships’ official greenspeople are easily recognisable thanks to their green and white clothing and are responsible for ensuring that Championships and practice courts are maintained to a high standard. Each team is responsible for covering and uncovering the court, checking the playing surface for wet areas after rain and providing towels and ice to players.
Inspired by the elegance and tradition of Wimbledon but with a modern twist, the clothing is available to purchase from the Wimbledon Shop.
Celebrate The Championships 2024 with the unique uniforms made from moisture-wicking properties to help keep you cool and comfortable.
