Even when you're not very familiar with the world of tennis, you've probably heard of Wimbledon.
In the world of professional tennis, there are 4 major tournaments each year. These are called Grand Slams, and they are the most prestigious and best tournaments in the world. Grand Slams include the Australian Open, Roland Garros or the French Open, the Wimbledon tournament and the US Open.
Of the four Grand Slams, Wimbledon is the oldest and perhaps the most famous. The first edition was held in 1877, the tournament is the oldest in its category as it is held for 131 years. The first championship took place at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, England. The tournament had only the men's singles section, and had 22 participants.
Since then, the competition has been held in the same place year after year, evolving to have 5 different events and up to 400 competitors. The 5 events are as follows:
- Single female with 128 participants
- Single male with 128 participants
- Double maculino with 64 teams
- Female doubles with 64 teams
- Mixed doubles with 48 teams
This year, the 2018 Wimbledon tournament will begin on July 2 and last until July 15. The total prize of the tournament is estimated to be around £31,600,000. It is the only Grand Slam to be played outdoors and on the grass, as the other 3 courts are played in brick dust and on a hard court, and this makes it even more exciting.
For those interested in entering the world of online sports betting, bets can be placed on the winner of the tournament or on any of the 5 events. You can also bet on individual matches, the winner of a match, a set or a game. Round betting is also popular, as is predicting who will reach the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.
Last year, the women's event was won by Garbiñe Muguruza, who beat Venus Williams to win her first Wimbledon title. Muguruza has played well this year, reaching the semifinals of the French Open. In the men's event, Roger Federer made history in 2017 by winning his eighth title, becoming one of the most successful players of the Open era.
This year he will return and with his energies charged after deciding not to participate in any brick dust tournament. His main competitor will be Rafael Nadal, who has played all the tournaments this year and has won all but one. After triumphing in the French Open, Nadal can return to make a great performance, and again be a rival very difficult to beat.
Serena Williams returned to participate in a Grand Slam tournament in the French Open this year, but had to retire after suffering an injury. It is not clear if he will be in shape this year to participate in Wimbledon. This may be good news for world No. 1 Simona Halep who won this year's French Open, being her first title on French soil. She will seek to continue with his great moment and get the victory at Wimbledon.
