As the dust settles at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, two weeks of tremendous tennis has drawn to a close and what a fantastic return to the sporting calendar it was for The Championships, Wimbledon.
Cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, it was the first time Wimbledon had not been held since the World War II and it was safe to say sports lovers, tennis enthusiasts and those social supporters that perhaps enjoy the Champagne more than the tennis were all out in force.
With Wimbledon included in the government return to events programme, capacities within Centre and No.1 court were allowed to increase progressively throughout the tournament, with 100% capacity allowed for Finals Weekend. This news from No.10 meant the return to the hallowed grass courts of SW19 would be even more special and the world’s best players could once again play in front of crowds at this most legendary and iconic of venues.
As is always the case at Wimbledon, the All England Club was a sea of perfectly manicured petunias, hydrangea’s, roses and acer but sadly a few of the best in the world could not blossom at the right time and make it to Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal needed recovery after a marathon French Open campaign, Dominic Thiem and 2019 champion Simona Halep had to withdraw with injury and world no.2 Naomi Osaka sadly missed the tournament due to ongoing mental health issues. However, despite the omission of some big names, there was plenty for the fans to cheer about!
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray returned to Wimbledon and was able to get through a couple of rounds before coming up against the young Canadian Dennis Shapovalov. Ashleigh Barty claimed her first Wimbledon singles title and became the first Australian lady since Evonne Goolagong in 1971 to do so and the imperious Novak Djokovic continued his domination at Wimbledon, winning his 3rd Wimbledon in a row (his 6th overall), his 3rd Grand Slam title this year and in doing so tied Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with a staggering 20 Grand Slams to his name. With the three titans of modern tennis all sharing a portion of the record now, can Djokovic go on to make 2021 a very special year?
For us British fans though there was one particular highlight, the emergence of a new star of British tennis – 18 year old Emma Raducanu who qualified for the tournament as a wildcard and made it through to the second week beating top-class opposition like Sorana Cirstea along the way. Before succumbing to illness during her 4th round match against Alja Tomljanovic the young star lit up the court and we can’t wait to see her back at Wimbledon next year.
Hospitality off the court was just as fantastic as the action on the court, as guests revelled in their return to Wimbledon. As much a social occasion as a sporting occasion, The Lawn was open for business and provided the perfect place from which to soak up the legendary atmosphere, socialise with friends or clients and enjoy some gastronomic goodies from Michel Roux Jr. in the kitchen. The Seafood platter is always a showstopper, but the Roast Herdwick Lamb Canon & Braised Lamb Bonbon was simply to die for and accompanied by a signature cocktail created specifically by in house mixologists, what more can you ask for!?
Light, airy and filled with beautiful touches of Wimbledon themed design, The Lawn once again provided the ideal backdrop from which to enjoy the tennis. Not only will The Lawn be back in 2022 but a brand-new facility will be available for the first time at Wimbledon. The Treehouse on The Lawn will be a new premium informal experience featuring relaxed lounge areas, interactive food displays from a yet to be confirmed 2 Michelin star chef and live DJ’s spinning tunes for you all day. Hospitality at Wimbledon is evolving and if you want to experience the word’s greatest tennis tournament with hospitality to match, look no further! We’re already looking forward to The Championships, Wimbledon 2022 and we hope to welcome you there.
