I was at Wimbledon on first day – this is what you don’t see | Tennis | Sport

Tuning into Wimbledon from the comfort of your own home is almost a rite of passage for all Britons. Over these two weeks, even the most novice tennis fans can end up an armchair expert after consuming hours of BBC coverage that’s helped make stars like Sue Barker and Clare Balding reach national treasure status.

Yet, there is something almost describable about being in SW19 in person. And the fact that it’s hard to quite put a finger on, is why perhaps it doesn’t necessarily come through on your TV screens. Wimbledon is, and always has been, far more than just about sport.

It’s about celebration, it’s about camaraderie, it’s about championing what makes Britain great and why we are a first-class destination when it comes to sport.

It’s about meeting new people from all four corners of the world, united by a common love for tennis and competition.

The ambience is a cocktail of excitement and joy. The sort of feeling that’s hard to capture through the medium of broadcast.

While the atmosphere is electric, there remains a quaint and British charm — perhaps it’s all the queues for the courts!

Walking around Wimbledon’s pristine grounds is an experience in itself.

As you meander through the bustling crowds, there’s a waft of the iconic strawberries and cream or the mint of a freshly-poured Pimm’s.

In the distance, you can just about make out the collective “oohs” from Centre Court followed by a warm round of applause.

Almost everyone is immaculately dressed and if you’re lucky, you may even get to brush shoulders with some of the stars as they arrive.

That’s one of the most special things about Wimbledon, you feel so immersed in the action.

Climbing the steps up Henman Hill — or Murray Mound as it is also often called — is another surreal experience that TV cameras simply don’t do justice.

People are relaxing on the lush grass, soaking up the sun with a glass in hand while watching two matches at once on the giant screen.

And for those forgetting they’re in the capital, landmarks like the Shard and the London Eye emerge on the horizon.

Wimbledon is not just a tennis tournament and while the BBC’s coverage is a British summertime tradition, the feeling of friendship and unity is something you can only get by being in SW19 in person.