lucyliveshere

This is your friendly reminder to register for Wimbledon 2020. Yes, I’m talking about the tennis tournament in July. And yes, I know it’s October.

It’s October. It’s cold and rainy, you’re digging out your cosy winter coats and boots from the back of the wardrobe, and all thoughts of Pimm’s and strawberries on a sun-drenched day at Wimbledon are a million miles away. However, if you want to be there next year then you have to register for the public ballot before October 21. Super early, I know, but trust me, you don’t want to miss out. I went to Wimbledon for the first time ever this year, and it was brilliant.

I confess, it wasn’t me that got the tickets. It was my sister who registered for the ballot and was successful, so due credit to her – otherwise I would have been watching it on the telly as usual. Our tickets were for the first Thursday (July 4) and we were on Court One. The first week is a great time to go because there are so many matches and there’s always drama, from seeds crashing out to new players coming up through the ranks and making a big impression.

So anyway, onwards to Wimbledon. Here’s my rundown of what we got up to as a first-time punter (me) and second time around visitor (Caroline).

1) Had a nose at the smaller courts as we walked in. It’s not just the big courts that get interesting matches, and you might stumble on a classic – even if you didn’t know one or both of the players’ names before you sat down. Keep yourself open to going off-plan.

2) Got a photo with the Fred Perry statue – he was the last British man to win Wimbledon before Andy Murray picked up the trophy back in 2013, fact fans.

3) Found out where Henman Hill / Murray Mound actually is. It’s hard to get your bearings when you’re watching it on TV, so it was great to see where it was. You can also spot the well-practised Wimbledon goers who show up with picnic hampers and blankets. Damn.

4) Grabbed ourselves some Pimm’s. We were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather on the day we were there so it would have been rude not to. We also enjoyed the Kardashian vibes of the flower wall, although I probably need to work on my accessories game. A water bottle?

5) Got ourselves to our seats and grabbed a court-side selfie before the match started. We were there early so there was plenty of time to roam around before it got too crowded.

6) Got stuck into some serious tennis. This is where the tennis geekery starts: we were lucky enough to see Roger Federer and Serena Williams play their matches on Court One. How good is that?! Meghan Markle even showed up to see her friend Serena play.

7) Watched a match on Henman Hill. We left our seats on Court One for a short while to soak up the atmosphere on Henman Hill for Nadal’s match against the bad boy of tennis, Nick Kyrios. It was a total grudge match: the two players don’t like each other and Kyrios is prone to tantrums at the best of times – as well as playing his signature underhand serve, which never goes down well with Nadal. In short, it was a total must-see and the atmosphere on the hill was electric.

8) Popped back into Court One to see Andy Murray play doubles with his brother. Andy Murray! I didn’t know if I’d ever get to see him play so this was a real bucket list moment. And he won.

9) Left Wimbledon feeling happy and satisfied that we had a great day. I just wish I could have come back on the Friday because it really was a fantastic day out. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

If you’re thinking about going to Wimbledon then my advice would be: do it. It’s such a fantastic atmosphere, the weather is normally wonderful and there will be some amazing matches to watch, new players to discover (Coco Gauff, anyone?) and Pimm’s to enjoy. Some people are dressed up, some people are dressed casually, but everyone is just there to have a good time and enjoy the tennis. Do your future self a favour by registering for tickets today.

You can register for public ballot tickets for Wimbledon 2020 here. Good luck!