Five Fascinating Facts About Wimbledon

The third tennis Grand Slam of the year kicks off in less than two weeks' time and it's arguably the most popular of them all... Wimbledon.

Great British favourite Andy Murray will be hoping to win the Gentleman's Singles for a third time, entering this year's tournament as the defending champion.

The hosts also have a challenge in the women's game this year with World number 7 entering this year's tournament after an excellent 12 months, despite a disappointing first round exit at Roland Garros.

To get you in the mood for the lawn tennis season, here are five fascinating facts about Wimbledon:

•  Wimbledon is the world's oldest tennis tournament. It was established by the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club all the way back in 1877.

•  The first televised airing of Wimbledon was shown by the BBC back on 21 June 1937. BBC has kept the rights for the 80 years since.

•  Centre Court has been fitted with a retractable roof since 2009 to help avoid rain delays that have been an infamous feature of the tournament throughout its history. Plans for the future are to install a retractable roof on Court 1.

•  Ball boys and girls come from schools in local London boroughs. Candidates are nominated by their headteachers and must pass both a written and fitness test.

•  Virginia Wade was the last British Ladies Singles winner, dating back to 1977.

Here are more fascinating facts about Wimbledon from VIP Tennis Tickets: