Glastonbury for tennis and a special aura – why fans worship Wimbledon

A mutual love for Wimbledon and tennis player Boris Becker also brought Jacqueline Webb-Watson and Nicola Dawson together, forming a 40-year friendship.

Jacqueline, from Loughton in Essex, says her “love affair” with SW19 began in 1977, listening to matches on the radio, before her first visit with her family in 1984.

“We arrived at 11.30am and walked right in; I was still surprised by the lack of queues that day,” the 58-year-old recalls.

By then Becker had linked up with fan Nicola and the pair had “wonderful adventures” camping at Wimbledon over the years.

But his “highlight” was watching the 2013 men’s semi-final, where Andy Murray finally won his first title.

“That day was pure magic. Warm, sunny, incredible matches from the best seat on Center Court and the sheer joy of seeing a British man reach the final. I must admit, I was absolutely tearful when Andy won in the end,” says Jacqueline.

He said Wimbledon’s “distinct Britishness…traditions, immaculate grounds and legendary organization” made it the best tournament on the circuit.

“Having visited all four Grand Slams, I may be biased, but Wimbledon really is in a league of its own,” adds Jacqueline.