Now mid-way through, Wimbledon, the UK’s oldest and most respected tennis tournament has the ability to grip our nation to their TV sets. Last year over the half the country tuned in at some point during the two week showdown, and this year, with thousands coming early for the Olympics, that figure is expected to much higher still.
**So in celebration of our obsession with all things rackets and balls, we thought we’d hit you up with a few of the most surprising facts about this very special event.
**The first Wimbledon took place in 1877 solely as an amateur competition.
**During World War II, a bomb ripped through Centre Court at the All England Club and 1,200 seats were lost. Fortunately, they weren't filled at the time. Play finally resumed in 1946 but it wasn't until 1949 that the area was back in top shape.
**335,000 cups of tea and coffee are consumed, whilst over 24 tons of Kent strawberries are eaten on site during the two week stint.
**Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam that is played on grass courts.
**The last British male to win Wimbledon was Fred Perryin in 1936, a three times Wimbledon Champion.
**42,000 tennis balls are used throughout the tournament.
**A wooden racket was last used in during a match in1987.
**Odds for world number 4 Andy Murray to win this year’s tournament are currently 5/1.
**The 2012 prize purse for the men's and women's singles winners is £1,150,000, an increase of £50,000 (4.5%) over 2011. In 1968, the year of the first "open" championships, the prize money was £2,000 for the male champion and £750 for the female champion.
If you think we’ve missed anything out, or have any of your own interesting facts to odd – then please tweet us at @ShoppingVoucher
...Otherwise, C'mon Murray!
