Wimbledon starts today! I’m not particularly sporty and I don’t even play tennis myself, but I LOVE watching Wimbledon – I think because it is so symbolic of the British summer. Strawberries and Pimms here we come!
The first Wimbledon championship was held in 1877 on one of the croquet lawns of the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club (since 1882 the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club). In 1884 a women’s championship was introduced at Wimbledon, and the national men’s doubles was transferred there from Oxford. Mixed doubles and women’s doubles were inaugurated in 1913.
Last year the tournament was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. I’m so happy that it is back this year. And Andy Murray plays on Centre Court today. He has qualified as a wild card after not playing in the singles since 2017 due to injury.
Andy’s last appearance in the singles came when he limped out of the quarter-finals four years ago after losing in five sets to American Sam Querrey. After two major hip surgeries, he returns this year and will play in front of home fans as Wimbledon is part of the government’s Event Research Programme.
To celebrate the return of Wimbledon, and the hope this brings me of a return to normality in our post-covid world, I’ll be making some seasonal recipes with strawberries and Pimms.
Grilled strawberries with Pimm’s | Jamie Oliver recipes Grilled Strawberries with Pimms
Wonderful Wimbledon Recipes | Summer Recipes | Tesco Real Food Pimms Ice Lollies
Wonderful Wimbledon Recipes | Summer Recipes | Tesco Real Food Gin and Elderflower Fizz
