All you need to know about 2024 Wimbledon: TV Guide, prize money, history and format

Monday, 01 July 2024 at 10:44

The 2024 Wimbledon Championships are set to take place between July 1-14, 2024 at the historic All England Lawn and Tennis Club. The third Grand Slam tournament of the year, we have all you need to know ahead of the next fortnight in London.

From TV Guide to Prize Money to format and history, Wimbledon is a tournament not to be missed. Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion in the men's tournament from last year defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final. The Spaniard was making his breakout run at Wimbledon in the process and will aim to defend the title this time around.

Novak Djokovic has won the title seven times with Roger Federer holding the record with eight titles. Another milestone that the Serbian will aim to usurp before he leaves the sport.

Read also

2024 Wimbledon Men's Tournament Preview: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic lead protagonists in SW19 showdown

The history of the Wimbledon Men's Championship dates back to its inception in 1877 when Spencer Gore won the inaugural title at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. The early years saw British dominance with players like William Renshaw, while the interwar period was notable for champions like Bill Tilden and Fred Perry.

The Open Era, beginning in 1968, transformed the tournament, allowing professionals to compete with amateurs. Legends such as Rod Laver, who won the first Open Era title, Björn Borg, and Pete Sampras, who captured seven titles in the 1990s, have left an indelible mark on Wimbledon. The 2000s and 2010s were dominated by the "Big Three": Roger Federer, who holds the record with eight titles, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, who has seven titles.

Carlos Alcaraz (pictured) is the defending champion at 2024 Wimbledon in the men's draw.

Significant changes over the years include the introduction of the tie-break in 1971 and the installation of a retractable roof on Centre Court in 2009. Andy Murray ended Britain's long wait for a homegrown champion with his wins in 2013 and 2016. Wimbledon remains a tournament steeped in tradition, celebrated for its grass courts, strict dress code, and quintessentially British charm.

While the women's tournament was won last year by Marketa Vondrousova who defeated Ons Jabeur in the final who has lost in the previous two years. Elena Rybakina was the champion also in 2022. Despite being the forerunner in women's tennis, Iga Swiatek has never won the title in SW19. She only has a best of a Quarter-Final in the tournament.

Marketa Vondrousova (pictured) is the defending Women's Champion.

Rybakina will likely be favourite this time around due to Vondrousova's perilous route since winning the title. She will be joined by Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff.

The history of Wimbledon Women's Championships, starting in 1884 with Maud Watson winning the inaugural title, is rich with iconic players and records. Early dominance was seen with Charlotte Cooper, who won five titles between 1895 and 1908. The 1920s featured Suzanne Lenglen's six titles, followed by Helen Wills Moody's eight between 1927 and 1938.

The Open Era, beginning in 1968, saw Billie Jean King capture six titles, while Martina Navratilova set an unparalleled record with nine championships from 1978 to 1990. Steffi Graf added seven titles between 1988 and 1996. In modern times, the Williams sisters have been dominant, with Serena winning seven and Venus five titles. Significant milestones include Althea Gibson breaking racial barriers in 1957 and 1958 and Wimbledon achieving prize money parity in 2007.

Read also

TV GUIDE: How to watch or stream tennis including 2024 Wimbledon

TV Guide

United Kingdom

BBC: The primary broadcaster for Wimbledon. Coverage includes live matches, highlights, and commentary across BBC One, BBC Two, and the BBC Red Button. Matches are also available on BBC iPlayer.

United States

ESPN: Exclusive coverage of Wimbledon, with matches shown on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. ESPN+ offers additional streaming options.
Tennis Channel: Provides extensive coverage, including live matches, highlights, and analysis.

Canada

TSN: Coverage of Wimbledon is available across TSN channels and streaming through TSN Direct.

Australia

Channel Nine: Broadcasts live matches, highlights, and commentary. Streaming is available on 9Now.

Europe

Eurosport: Comprehensive coverage across Europe. Matches are shown on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2, with streaming available on Eurosport Player.

India

Star Sports: Broadcasts live matches and highlights. Streaming is available on Disney+ Hotstar.

Middle East and North Africa

beIN Sports: Coverage includes live matches and highlights, with streaming options on beIN Sports Connect.

Latin America

ESPN: Exclusive coverage similar to the United States, with matches shown on ESPN channels and streaming on ESPN Play.

Sub-Saharan Africa

SuperSport: Provides extensive coverage of Wimbledon, available on various SuperSport channels and streaming on DStv Now.

Southeast Asia

Fox Sports Asia: Coverage includes live matches and highlights, with streaming available on Fox+.

Read also

2024 Wimbledon ATP and WTA PRIZE MONEY and Points Breakdown with all-time high of €50,000,000 on offer

Format

Singles Competitions: There are separate tournaments for men and women.Men’s Singles: 128 players in the main draw.Women’s Singles: 128 players in the main draw.
Men’s Singles: 128 players in the main draw.
Women’s Singles: 128 players in the main draw.
Doubles Competitions:Men’s Doubles: 64 teams.Women’s Doubles: 64 teams.Mixed Doubles: 48 teams.
Men’s Doubles: 64 teams.
Women’s Doubles: 64 teams.
Mixed Doubles: 48 teams.
Junior and Invitational Competitions:Includes Boys’ and Girls’ Singles and Doubles.Invitational Doubles for former champions and veterans.
Includes Boys’ and Girls’ Singles and Doubles.
Invitational Doubles for former champions and veterans.

Read also

2024 Wimbledon Women's Tournament Preview: Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka lead line-up for third Grand Slam

Qualifying Rounds

Held the week before the main tournament.
Singles draws include players who did not automatically qualify.
128 men and 96 women compete in qualifying.
Men’s Singles Qualifying: 16 players advance to the main draw.
Women’s Singles Qualifying: 12 players advance to the main draw.

Main Draw Format

Single Elimination: All matches are knockout rounds.
Best-of-Five Sets:Used in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles matches.
Used in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles matches.
Best-of-Three Sets:Used in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles matches.
Used in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles matches.
Tiebreak Rules:Traditional 12-point tiebreaker (first to 7 points, win by 2) is used in all sets except the final set.In the final set (fifth set for men, third set for women and doubles), a match tiebreak (first to 10 points, win by 2) is used if the score reaches 6-6.
Traditional 12-point tiebreaker (first to 7 points, win by 2) is used in all sets except the final set.
In the final set (fifth set for men, third set for women and doubles), a match tiebreak (first to 10 points, win by 2) is used if the score reaches 6-6.

Seeding

Players and teams are seeded based on their world rankings and recent performances on grass courts.
Seeds are placed in the draw in such a way that the highest-seeded players cannot meet until the later rounds.

Courts and Surface

Grass Courts: Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam played on grass.
Centre Court: The most prestigious court, where the finals are held.
No. 1 Court: Another major show court.
Other Courts: Used for earlier rounds and doubles matches.

Schedule

Held over two weeks in late June and early July.
Middle Sunday is traditionally a rest day, though matches may be played if weather delays have occurred.
Play begins at 11:00am everyday on outer courts at 1:00 and 1:30pm on Court One and Centre Court. Picks are made in the schedule released the night before. Carlos Alcaraz and Marketa Vondrousova will be the leading lights who open up the opening two days as defending champions. As is tradition at Wimbledon.

Prize Money and Points

Prize money is awarded across all rounds, with winners of the singles tournaments receiving the highest amounts.
Players earn ATP (men) and WTA (women) ranking points based on their progress in the tournament.
The male and female champions will be able to take home a historic prize of £2.7 million (€3.2 million), representing an increase of 14.9%, while the first-round losers will receive £60,000 (€71,313), a 9.1% increase.

Previous Women's Winners - Wimbledon

Open Era (1968 - Present)

2023: Markéta Vondroušová (CZE) defeated Ons Jabeur (TUN) 6-4, 6-4
2022: Elena Rybakina (KAZ) defeated Ons Jabeur (TUN) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
2021: Ashleigh Barty (AUS) defeated Karolína Plíšková (CZE) 6-3, 6-7(4-7), 6-3
2020: No competition (COVID-19 pandemic)
2019: Simona Halep (ROU) defeated Serena Williams (USA) 6-2, 6-2
2018: Angelique Kerber (GER) defeated Serena Williams (USA) 6-3, 6-3
2017: Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP) defeated Venus Williams (USA) 7-5, 6-0
2016: Serena Williams (USA) defeated Angelique Kerber (GER) 7-5, 6-3
2015: Serena Williams (USA) defeated Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP) 6-4, 6-4
2014: Petra Kvitová (CZE) defeated Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 6-3, 6-0
2013: Marion Bartoli (FRA) defeated Sabine Lisicki (GER) 6-1, 6-4
2012: Serena Williams (USA) defeated Agnieszka Radwańska (POL) 6-1, 5-7, 6-2
2011: Petra Kvitová (CZE) defeated Maria Sharapova (RUS) 6-3, 6-4
2010: Serena Williams (USA) defeated Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 6-3, 6-2
2009: Serena Williams (USA) defeated Venus Williams (USA) 7-6(3), 6-2
2008: Venus Williams (USA) defeated Serena Williams (USA) 7-5, 6-4
2007: Venus Williams (USA) defeated Marion Bartoli (FRA) 6-4, 6-1
2006: Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) defeated Justine Henin (BEL) 2-6, 6-3, 6-4
2005: Venus Williams (USA) defeated Lindsay Davenport (USA) 4-6, 7-6(4), 9-7
2004: Maria Sharapova (RUS) defeated Serena Williams (USA) 6-1, 6-4
2003: Serena Williams (USA) defeated Venus Williams (USA) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
2002: Serena Williams (USA) defeated Venus Williams (USA) 7-6(4), 6-3
2001: Venus Williams (USA) defeated Justine Henin (BEL) 6-1, 3-6, 6-0
2000: Venus Williams (USA) defeated Lindsay Davenport (USA) 6-3, 7-6(3)

All Wimbledon finals' results since 1968.

Pre-Open Era (1884 - 1967)

1967: Billie Jean King (USA) defeated Ann Haydon Jones (GBR) 6-3, 6-4
1966: Billie Jean King (USA) defeated Maria Bueno (BRA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-1
1965: Margaret Smith Court (AUS) defeated Maria Bueno (BRA) 6-4, 7-5
1964: Maria Bueno (BRA) defeated Margaret Smith Court (AUS) 6-4, 7-9, 6-3
1963: Margaret Smith Court (AUS) defeated Billie Jean King (USA) 6-3, 6-4
1962: Karen Hantze Susman (USA) defeated Vera Puzejova Sukova (CZE) 6-4, 6-4
1961: Angela Mortimer (GBR) defeated Christine Truman Janes (GBR) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5
1960: Maria Bueno (BRA) defeated Sandra Reynolds Price (RSA) 8-6, 6-0
1959: Maria Bueno (BRA) defeated Darlene Hard (USA) 6-4, 6-3
1958: Althea Gibson (USA) defeated Angela Mortimer (GBR) 8-6, 6-2
1957: Althea Gibson (USA) defeated Darlene Hard (USA) 6-3, 6-2
1956: Shirley Fry Irvin (USA) defeated Angela Buxton (GBR) 6-3, 6-1
1955: Louise Brough (USA) defeated Beverly Fleitz (USA) 7-5, 8-6
1954: Maureen Connolly (USA) defeated Louise Brough (USA) 6-2, 7-5
1953: Maureen Connolly (USA) defeated Doris Hart (USA) 8-6, 7-5
1952: Maureen Connolly (USA) defeated Louise Brough (USA) 6-4, 6-3
1951: Doris Hart (USA) defeated Shirley Fry Irvin (USA) 6-1, 6-0
1950: Louise Brough (USA) defeated Margaret Osborne duPont (USA) 6-1, 3-6, 6-1

Previous Men's Winners - Wimbledon

Open Era (1968 - Present)

2023: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) defeated Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
2022: Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3)
2021: Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
2020: No competition (COVID-19 pandemic)
2019: Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated Roger Federer (SUI) 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(3)
2018: Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated Kevin Anderson (RSA) 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3)
2017: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Marin Čilić (CRO) 6-3, 6-1, 6-4
2016: Andy Murray (GBR) defeated Milos Raonic (CAN) 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2)
2015: Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated Roger Federer (SUI) 7-6(1), 6-7(10), 6-4, 6-3
2014: Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated Roger Federer (SUI) 6-7(7-9), 6-4, 7-6(7-4), 5-7, 6-4
2013: Andy Murray (GBR) defeated Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-4, 7-5, 6-4
2012: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Andy Murray (GBR) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4
2011: Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3
2010: Rafael Nadal (ESP) defeated Tomáš Berdych (CZE) 6-3, 7-5, 6-4
2009: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Andy Roddick (USA) 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14
2008: Rafael Nadal (ESP) defeated Roger Federer (SUI) 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7
2007: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7-6(7-2), 4-6, 7-6(7-3), 2-6, 6-2
2006: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-7(2), 6-3
2005: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Andy Roddick (USA) 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-4
2004: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Andy Roddick (USA) 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-4
2003: Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Mark Philippoussis (AUS) 7-6(5), 6-2, 7-6(3)
2002: Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) defeated David Nalbandian (ARG) 6-1, 6-3, 6-2
2001: Goran Ivanišević (CRO) defeated Pat Rafter (AUS) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7
2000: Pete Sampras (USA) defeated Pat Rafter (AUS) 6-7(10), 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-2