The "fortnight"

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Wimbledon Championships are about so much more than just the high standard tennis. Make no mistake; there is nothing like watching Roger Federer rule the court or Andy Murray in front of his home crowd or Tommy Haas playing the best tennis of his life. And do not forget the Williams sisters’ domination of the women’s game either. But there is something about the “Wimbledon experience” which impresses; the tradition, the pride and the aura of Wimbledon that places the “fortnight” a step above other Grand Slam tournaments and sporting events, in a class of its own.

Tennis greats like John McEnroe and Pete Sampras still place the Wimbledon title at the top of their lists. According to Larissa Tilbury, Corporate Sales Office Manager at The Wimbledon Shop, “Wimbledon is the Grand Slam because it is so rich in tradition. “It is not the tournament with the biggest prize money but the one that every player wants to win, simply because it’s Wimbledon”, she said.

Phil Brunetti, Stock Control Manager in one of The Wimbledon Shops, said the tournament is special because the players really seem to care.
“They respect the Wimbledon traditions, the all-white rules, most players just love coming to compete here.“Wimbledon is a magical land for two weeks of the year. I have been coming to watch the tennis since I can remember. When I was old enough to work, it seemed ideal as I live fifteen minutes away. So voila, the rest is history and this is my third year at The Wimbledon Shop,” Brunetti said.
“It is a such a privilege to be here. Some people dream of being at Wimbledon for just one day. I get paid to be here for the whole two weeks and soak up the atmosphere, the buzz and the happy people.”

This year, the weather played its part in the success of the Championships. According to Harry Santa Ooh La-la, floor manager of the Court 1 Shop, the good weather benefited the tournament as a whole.“The good weather boosted the morale of the staff as well as the spectators. We were lucky in this respect,” he said.

As Agassi says, magic can happen at Wimbledon. And it sure does, what a fortnight!

SOME QUOTES: What makes Wimbledon special for you?

“I love Wimbledon because it reminds me of all the special eccentric aspects about England; the strawberries, the Pimms, the rich history, the tradition, what England was like when it was a nice place with no knives.”

“I love Wimbledon, there is a great vibe. I really enjoy being here. The fact is that Wimbledon is tennis. Other tournaments are incomparable, Wimbledon is in another league.”

"Howzit bru?” (The ripping off of my accent simply never got old. Another favourite line was "Can you spare me a cigarette?" from the movie Blood Diamond. Was Leo DiCaprio not Rhodesian/Zimbabwean in that movie? Anyway :)

“These are the best two weeks of my year and always have been. The Village goes from dead to a real buzz. It’s like a tennis club but in the Village, with the players walking around and stuff.”

“The massive network of people is the best thing. I love the social side of the event. It was really good to watch one of the biggest sporting events in the world happen.”

Why do you work at Wimbledon?

“The fact that Wimbledon is the ultimate Grand Slam. It’s British; it’s tradition, it’s strawberries and cream, the whites, the Pimms, it’s the biggest prize in tennis. It has been a privilege to work at a world class event like this.”

"To be part of such a majestic, outstanding event and work with people less good-looking than myself.”

“It has been a really great experience being part of one of the biggest sporting events in the world. I love the vibe; it is about so much more than just the tennis. It is about the beautiful grounds, the dress-up, as much about its aura than just the tennis.”

"I like the holiday atmosphere, meeting lots of different people. As for the strawberries and cream? I’m English, I could have that anytime.”