Wimbledon 2021: No queues or courtside autographs – what to expect from a new-look Championships
Wimbledon is back this year having been cancelled 12 months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Championships starting on June 28 with 15 Brits in the main draw, including Andy Murray, new British No.1 men's player Dan Evans and women's No.1 Johanna Konta.
This year’s Championships have been given special status as a Government test event to allow spectators to attend, but many Covid-19 restrictions will still be in place.
Capacity
Despite the delay to easing lockdown, the Government has allowed Wimbledon to admit 21,000 spectators each day – half of its normal capacity – while Centre Court can seat full crowds of around 15,000 for the women’s and men’s finals. Ticket holders will be required to wear face coverings while moving around the grounds, but not while seated on court. The food and drink spaces will be open with appropriate social distancing measures.
Queue
Wimbledon’s famous queue, almost as much a tradition as strawberries and cream and underwhelming displays by British players, will not be in operation this year under Covid protocols. This year all tickets are being sold online, rather than the antiquated postal ballot, and ticket holders will have to show proof of their Covid status – either both vaccinations or a negative test for those aged 11 and above.
Henman Hill
Plans to show matches on the big screen in front of Aorangi Terrace, better known as Henman Hill since its installation in 1997, are currently in place, although the logistics have yet to be finalised. Therefore it remains unclear whether masks will have to be worn on the hill and how many spectators will be allowed to congregate there.
Players
Players usually enjoy seeing the sights in London during their down time, but this year all the competitors will stay in a bubble either at the All England Club or in their designated hotels. The days of Nick Kyrgios turning up at the local pub the night before a match are over for now at least. Also, there will be no courtside autographs or selfies with spectators, and access to practice courts will be restricted.