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21°C
Cloudy Tennis in London
For two weeks of every summer, typically during the last week in June and first week in July, London is the centre of the tennis world. The reason is Wimbledon, the world's most famous Grand Slam tournament.
Tennis fever grips the capital during Wimbledon fortnight as the leading players compete on grass courts for what is arguably the sport's annual world championship. Most tickets for the main courts are distributed by public ballot during December. Tickets are also sold every day during the tournament but demand is high and queuing, even overnight, has become something of a tradition. The atmosphere is extraordinary. If you aren't lucky enough to get hold of tickets for the tournament, you can still visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, which is open most days of the year.
Away from Wimbledon, London also plays host to a number of other leading tournaments. These include the Artois Championships during the first week of June, and the BlackRock Masters Tennis tournament in December.
Wimbledon Championship
The All England Lawn Tennis Club
Church Road, SW19
Tel: +44 (0)20 8946 2244
Website: www.wimbledon.org
Nearest Tube Station: Wimbledon Park
Artois Championships
Queen's Club
Palliser Road, W14
Tel: +44 (0)20 7386 3425
Website: www.stellaartoistennis.com
Nearest Tube station: Barons Court
BlackRock Masters Tennis
Royal Albert Hall, SW7
Tel: +44 (0)20 7589 8212
Website: www.themasterstennis.com
Nearest Tube station: South Kensington
If you fancy playing a game rather than watching one, there are plenty of tennis courts in London.
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Ledrington Road, SE19
Tel: +44 (0)20 8778 0131
The centre has outdoor tennis courts.
Nearest railway station: Crystal Palace
Islington Tennis Centre
Market Road, N7
Tel: +44 (0)20 7700 1370
Nearest Tube station: Caledonian Road
This has 2 floodlit outdoor courts and 6 indoor courts. Coaching sessions are available.
Tennis courts exist throughout the city in parks and leisure centres. There is a full list on the London Tennis website.
