Call us: 01962 733 649

Tag Archive: Roger Federer

  1. The Excitement of The First Week at Wimbledon

    Comments Off on The Excitement of The First Week at Wimbledon

    What’s so special about buying tickets for the first week of Wimbledon? Many people think it’s the best week of all!

    On the first day of Wimbledon, everything is so fresh and exciting. We have waited all year for this. At last the gates open. We can walk into the beautiful All England Club. We know it is ours to enjoy again in all its magnificence. The highlight of the glorious British summer!

    We feel history in the air. And we wonder what fresh history will be created over the next fortnight. The sense of anticipation is unbeatable in world sport.

    The buzz and the sheer joy of the first and second days are unsurpassed by anything that follows, however dramatic.

    We rub shoulders with celebrities and old friends. We know the tennis entertainment will last long into the sultry English summer evenings.

    All the top stars will play, win or lose, in the first week.

    If you want to guarantee seeing your favourite player, you have to buy tickets for the first week. Why? A living legend or current superstar might not make it past the first few days. Grand Slam winners can suffer the same unfortunate fate in the early intensity of gladiatorial battle as relative unknowns. Just ask Coco Gauff!

    Let’s take a look at what happened in the first few dramatic days at Wimbledon 2025. A record total of eight top-ten seeded men and women were knocked out in the very first round – not just poor Coco! And by the start of the first Friday, 36 seeded players had been eliminated in all.

    Want to guarantee seeing your personal favourite? Be at Wimbledon 2026 from the start!

    Regardless of entertaining surprises, Week One of Wimbledon always has so much to offer. Don’t underestimate the intensity of the pleasure during this amazing journey. It comes from the very first minutes of the tournament and the tingle of anticipation they bring, to the sheer volume of incredible action that follows everywhere you look. The relentless euphoria is something everyone should experience at least once.

    Enjoy this glorious rollercoaster ride, right through to the first weekend. You will already have made memories to last a lifetime.

    In 2025, first Friday evening match on Centre Court between Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka – under the roof and bright lights – provided arguably the best atmosphere and some of the most magical moments of the entire women’s tournament.

    There’s barely time to take a breath during Week One, or reflect upon all the sporting riches already witnessed. And this gripping tennis drama is all set against a magical backdrop that provides a unique fusion of history and glamour. It’s evident everywhere you look. And it’s waiting for you at Wimbledon 2026.

    Why wait until the second week to taste this all? Why miss out on the earlier action?

    For those of us who know and love Wimbledon and have been going there for decades, the first week is every bit as enticing as the second week. That’s the simple truth.

    We’d strongly advise that you try to experience both weeks if you can. Then you will know the true charm of Wimbledon in all its glory. You will feel the tension building and the mood changing from one week to the next. Book your Wimbledon Debenture Tickets  with us today and don’t miss out on a single special moment of Grand Slam action!

  2. How to get tickets for Wimbledon 2021

    Comments Off on How to get tickets for Wimbledon 2021

    Getting Wimbledon Tickets 2020 is not generally a task for the fainthearted. You have to really want them and to go to serious lengths to secure them. But at Wimbledon Debenture Holders, we can do all the hard work for you.

    For most big events including other Grand Slams like the Australian Open or the US Open, it’s generally possible to go online or ring the ticket office – and provided you do so in good time, you should succeed for a sensible price.

    But to buy tickets for Wimbledon 2020 can require a combination of research skills, patience, single-minded determination, luck, and of course money. Even then you may not get what you want if you don’t come through us.

    A ticket through the gate will only qualify you to watch matches on the outside courts, with no guarantee of a seat on Centre Court, No1 Court or even Court Two – and large queues at every point. You run the risk of seeing the back of a lot of other people’s heads rather than any serious tennis.

    1. The Ballot

      One of the cheapest options is to go in for the Ballot run by All England Lawn Tennis Club.

      You will need to fill in an online ballot application form. This must be done after the end of August and before the end of November.

      You will know sometime in February 2020 whether you have successfully secured your chance of tickets. Your chances are around 1 in 10. You may also have to be more flexible with your choice of game and player as your hopes of seeing Andy Murray versus Roger Federer on Centre Court may be fade as you may only get into Court Number 2 on the second Saturday, where the only thing on offer may be an over 45s Mixed Doubles or a Junior boys game.

      The ballot tickets are not transferable, if you can’t go, you have to send them back. And if you are caught trying to sell them on eBay, they will void the ticket. Likewise, if you buy a Ballot ticket on eBay, there is a danger that this will be voided.

      More information can be found on the Official Wimbledon 2019 Ballot Page.

    2. LTA Ballot

      You can choose to join the Lawn Tennis Association. As a non-affiliated member, which costs £25. Then you can be entered into their ballot and you may get a 1 in 5 chance. UK applicants must request an application form by 15 December 2019. The closing date for receipt of all completed ballot applications is 31 December 2019.

      If you play tennis, you should join a tennis club. Many tennis clubs get allocations of tickets and they will also have their own ballots, but each club will only have a handful of tickets.

    3. Become a Player or Umpire or Steward

      If you haven’t got what it takes to qualify for Wimbledon, then you might get to know somebody that has, or there are various officials, such Umpires, even Honorary Stewards who have worked their way into the system to get free tickets.

    4. Become a celebrity or know somebody in the Royal Family

      Wimbledon has the Royal Box which has 74 seats. President Clinton, Princess Diana, Cliff Richard and Jack Nicholson have been seen there in the past. The Queen herself is not a huge fan, and the last time she appeared was in 2010 after 33 years of absence.

      Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge love sport and in particular cheering on Andy Murray from their vantage point in the Royal box. Effortless style often accompanies these outings and no matter the outcome of the tennis, you can be sure the headlines will be littered with the fashion choices of these Royal celebrities for days after.

    5. Become a Member of the AELTC

      The things to understand about the All England Lawn Tennis Club that runs the Wimbledon Championships is that it is just that, a Tennis Club, which happens to run a rather successful tournament. So just join the Tennis Club.

      There are 375 members in all plus 100 temporary Members elected each year. If you have been good enough to win Wimbledon you can be invited to become a Member. Otherwise, election to Membership appears to be a complex process of receiving lots of nominations and having a great deal of money for your subs. And even then, that just gives you the right to buy two tickets for every day. If you find out how to become a member, please let us know.

      It has been said than it’s easier to win Wimbledon that to become a member!

    6. Become a Debenture Holder

      If you don’t know the right people to become a member but are prepared to invest some money, become a Wimbledon Debenture Holder. Buying Debentures is like buying shares, except much more difficult. You sign a cheque for about £50,000 for Centre Court Debentures, or £30,000 for Court number 1, send it to Wimbledon and if you are very, very lucky you will make it through that particular ballot and will be entitled to a seat each day for five years of the tournament. Issues of Debentures only happen every 5 years, so you have to be well informed or be prepared to buy them at a substantial premium at other times.

    7. Buy Debenture Tickets

      Alternatively, you can buy Wimbledon Debenture tickets from a Debenture Holder. Many of the sites that sell Wimbledon tickets are selling Debenture seats. They are the only ones that can be transferred and sold on.

      At Wimbledon Debenture Holders we have created an organisation of Debenture Holders who are selling their tickets via the site to people who want to go, rather than selling them on to agents. You will also have access to the Debenture Lounges where you will have the opportunity to spend even more money on very pleasant food and drink.

    8. Queue up

      Queuing is a glorious British tradition. I have friends who enjoy the Wimbledon Queue more than the tennis itself. They do it every single year. They make lifelong friends, share food and drink and war stories, and often spend several days and nights queuing. If you have the time and the inclination, you can get in this way. There are only a handful available each day for the show courts. Be prepared to invest in sleeping bags, camping equipment, sun hats and warm clothes. Enjoy!

    9. Corporate entertainment

      Various large companies and tickets agencies have special allocations for corporate hospitality. So if you are for instance an important customer of a corporate giant, make sure you drop some serious hints about how much you would love to go to Wimbledon 2020 and watch the tennis. Not only will you get to go, but you will be wined and dined throughout the day. There is a snag with this. Some of the hospitality tents can be quite far from the action, and if you actually enjoy watching tennis, you may have to watch it on a screen in the hospitality tent. If you have ever wondered when you watch Wimbledon on TV, why there are so many empty seats, their occupants are often to be found drinking champagne a mile or two away.

    So there it is. Wimbledon 2021 awaits but cut out all the hard work, headaches and worry. Leave the job of securing your tickets to Wimbledon Debenture Holders. We’ll make sure you get what you want.

  3. What Do You Give 7 Top Tennis Stars for Christmas?

    Comments Off on What Do You Give 7 Top Tennis Stars for Christmas?

     

    It’s that time of year again folks – but what do you give tennis stars who already have everything?

    It’s a tough one, but here are a few ideas:

    1/ NOVAK DJOKOVIC

    CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A PERSONAL SET OF KEYS TO ROLAND GARROS

    We all know this guy has a perfect life. World number one…beautiful family…but there’s one thing missing. The French Open.

    Against the odds, Stan Wawrinka blasted Djokovic off the court in the 2015 final and robbed him of a career Slam.

    So let’s give Novak a secret set of keys to Roland Garros for Christmas – and let him practise on the Philippe-Chatrier Court to his heart’s content between now and May.

    Let Roland Garros become his kingdom…even his secret obsession.

    Private access to the famous old club might just make the difference when Djokovic tries once more to make his professional life complete in the early summer of 2016.

    2/ ANDY MURRAY

    CHRISTMAS PRESENT: IVAN LENDL

    Sure, Andy led GB to Davis Cup glory in 2015, and a very fine achievement it was too. But the opposition wasn’t exactly the very best of the best. And let’s face it, Murray hasn’t been the same on the big occasions against the likes of Djokovic and Roger Federer since splitting with his coach, Ivan Lendl in March 2014.

    So let’s wrap Lendl up in gift paper and give him right back to Andy for Christmas.

    Lendl might take some persuading before he allows himself to be gift-wrapped in this way and agrees to embark upon another year of demanding travel. But this is a time for special generosity, nothing is impossible!

    With Lendl back on board, watch Murray start winning Slams again inside a year, inspired once more by the aggressive edge Ivan always gave him.

    3/ ROGER FEDERER

    CHRISTMAS PRESENT: DINNER WITH BORIS BECKER

    Yes, Roger, it’s all very well appointing Ivan Ljubicic to your coaching team, and Stefan Edberg was a tough man to try to replace…but how is a Croatian former world number three going to help you beat the one man who keeps crushing your dreams – Novak Djokovic?

    Let’s face it, Novak handles the big moments better than Federer in their most important matches these days. Why does this happen?

    One man knows the answer – Novak’s coach, Boris Becker. So let’s buy Roger a charity dinner date with Becker, give the fun-loving German as much booze as he can take, and see if Federer can persuade him to give away a few of Novak’s steely psychological secrets.

    4/ STAN WAWRINKA

    CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A BOOK ON HOW TO ENJOY SUCCESS

    Every year Stan Wawrinka does something stunning – and then struggles to hit similar heights again due to the shear strain.

    He won the Aussie Open in 2014. Then in 2015 he shocked Djokovic to take Roland Garros. Stan has hated the trappings of his success.

    He explained: “When you win a big title like the French it’s tough. The emotion in doing this is really up and down. Afterwards, you feel a bit lonely, a bit of depression mentally. Because it’s so much stress and emotion and so many people around you – and then it’s completely empty.”
    OK Stan, we get it, life can be tough at the top. But there are plenty of books out there to help you enjoy your success. We’ll buy you one.

    5/ RAFA NADAL

    CHRISTMAS PRESENT: BIONIC KNEES…AND BACK…AND WRISTS…AND…

    You get the idea. Nadal has been a wonderful warrior and he can still beat the very best on his day. Yet you feel that his body needs a little help now he’s pushing 30.

    There used to be a TV show about Steve Austin, the $6 million man. He was pretty much bionic from head to toe

    So how about we spend a few million turning those weary Nadal joints into sparkling new triumphs of bio-technology?

    Let’s face it, we all love Rafa when he is playing at his most powerful. Who wouldn’t want to see his body restored to its former glory, so that we can savour more bruising classics between Nadal and the finest players in the world?

    An expensive present, admittedly…but surely worth it?

    6/ SERENA WILLIAMS

    CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A 2-YEAR PROMISE FROM PATRICK MOURATOGLOU

    Two more years together. That’s what it could take, realistically, to see Serena Williams become the undisputed, greatest tennis queen of all time. And her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, is surely the key to making that a reality.

    Some say that Serena is already the best there has ever been, given the demands of the modern women’s game. But Steffi Graf won 22 Slams and Margaret Court 24, albeit mostly secured when the sport was much less gruelling for women.

    Serena has 20 Slams, but she was so distressed when she failed to secure a 2015 Calendar Slam that she didn’t talk to Mouratoglou for two weeks.

    That complex relationship must stay strong for a little longer. Patrick’s unfailing support will be crucial in 2016.

    7/ MARIA SHARAPOVA:

    CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A COURSE OF HYPNOSIS

    No disrespect to Maria, who is a superb tennis star, always full of fight and hardly short of success. But when your record against your main rival (Serena Williams) is 2-18 and you haven’t beaten her since 2004, then your renowned warrior qualities simply aren’t cutting it against the very best.

    No disgrace there, because Serena is of course as formidable as they come. But could there be something deep inside that Sharapova mind these days, telling her that whatever she tries, she simply cannot prevail against the best in the world?

    What’s the answer?
    Hypnosis.

    If she hasn’t already tried it, Maria should give it a go. And if she has already tried it, she should give it another go.

    And if she is bought this as a Christmas present, how can she politely refuse?

    So there you have it; Wimbledon Debenture Holders answer on what to buy top 7 tennis players for Christmas!

    If you’re struggling for inspiration on what to buy your loved ones whether it’s for the festive holiday or a birthday or anniversary, Contact the experts today for an exclusive Wimbledon experience.

    Wimbledon 2016 Tickets make excellent presents and better still, they come beautifully presented with a Gift Certificate.

  4. Top Ten Tennis Romances

    Comments Off on Top Ten Tennis Romances

    The life of a professional tennis player can be busy and demanding. Finding time for romance isn’t always easy. No wonder so many players look for love inside the bubble of the tour.

    But it’s tough to be a tennis couple when the spotlight is so relentless. And many players will envy the simple stability of Rafael Nadal, who will celebrate ten years with his shy hometown girlfriend, Xisca Perello this year.

    While Xisca doesn’t seek the limelight, others can’t escape it. With that kind of close attention, tennis romances have had varying degrees of success over the years.

    Here are our top ten tennis romances:

    10/ BJORN BORG AND MARIANA SIMIONESCU

    In the 1970s and early 1980s it seemed there was barely a woman in the world who didn’t dream of being with Bjorn Borg, the sexy Swede who won 11 Grand Slams between 1974 and 1981.

    Shortly before his retirement in his mid-twenties, Borg married Romanian player Mariana Simionescu. Sadly, the couple divorced in 1984.

    9/ GAEL MONFILS AND DOMINIKA CIBULKOVA

    The flamboyant French star has made waves in the tennis world for the last five years, with his career-best World No 7 ranking in 2011 cementing his place as one of the most entertaining performers in tennis. Monfils briefly dated the Slovakian pocket rocket, Dominika Cibulkova, though the explosive combination didn’t last long. Cibulkova is now engaged to Miso Navara while Monfils has been dating French student Chelsea Altman.

    8/ FERNANDO VERDASCO AND ANA IVANOVIC

    The years 2008 and 2009 were good to Fernando Verdasco and Ana Ivanovic. The Serbian became the world’s number one woman in 2008 and the following year Spaniard reached a career-high World No 7. These two high-profile players began dating around the time of the 2008 US Open, but broke up again within a matter of months rather than years. The split seemed to be an unhappy one because they were reported to have stopped speaking to each other.

    7/ ANDY MURRAY AND KIM SEARS

    Andy Murray didn’t exactly step outside the tennis bubble when he began to date Kim Sears all those years ago. Kim is the daughter of British professional tennis coach Nigel Sears, so she has grown up understanding the demands of the game at the highest level. This seems to have stood the couple in good stead in the long run. Despite a rocky patch or two, Kim was at Andy’s side when he completed a dream triple of US Open, Olympic and Wimbledon success. At the last Australian Open she was caught on camera using some rather colourful language to describe one of Murray’s opponents, Tomas Berdych. A calmer Kim finally tied the knot with Andy this spring in his native Dunblane, Scotland.

    6/ ROGER AND MIRKA FEDERER 

    Some may forget that before she became Mrs Federer, Mirka Vavrinec was a tennis player herself and a good one at that, with a career-high ranking of World No 76 before a foot injury forced her out of the game. Roger Federer met her at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and it didn’t take long for romance to blossom. They didn’t marry until 2009, however, and twin girls were born the following year. Twin boys arrived in 2014 to complete the happy family. Mirka created controversy not long ago when she was caught heckling Roger’s fellow Swiss, Stanislav Wawrinka during a match between the pair at the ATP World Tour Finals. Roger acted as peacemaker and the marriage remains as strong as ever.

    Now we come to our top five tennis love affairs. They didn’t all end happily, and how some might develop or end still isn’t clear. But for drama, intrigue, heartbreak and sheer romance, these are either the most topical or memorable in our eyes. See if you agree.

    5/ LLEYTON HEWITT AND KIM CLIJSTERS

    Australian superstar Lleyton Hewitt wasted no time becoming the World Number 1 – the youngest ever at 20 years of age, with US Open and Wimbledon triumphs to his name by 2002. At the start of the previous year, the 19-year-old Hewitt began dating Belgian player Kim Clijsters, apparently at the Australian Open. They told the world of their engagement in 2003, by which time she was already known as “Aussie Kim,” the romance having captured the imagination of the entire country. Unfortunately they separated in late 2004, with a tearful Clijsters seemingly heartbroken. More happily, they both married other people within five years of the split.