Wimbledon 2024 kicked off under sunny skies on Monday, with around 45,000 spectators descending on the All England Club in south-west London for the first day of the grand slam tournament. Organisers expect half a million people to attend over the two-week event.
Sunshine and Celebrations
Attendees in summer dresses and designer polo shirts relaxed on grassy areas, queued for courts and bars, and picnicked on Murray Mound to the sound of popping champagne corks and cheers from nearby matches. Temperatures neared the mid-20s Celsius, a welcome respite after last week's record-breaking heatwave.
Dame Mary Berry, actor Sir Mark Rylance, David Beckham, Tess Daly, and Gayle Lawton were among the celebrities spotted in the royal box or on Centre Court.
Fans React to Raducanu's Withdrawal
Many fans expressed disappointment after Emma Raducanu pulled out of Wimbledon on Sunday evening due to a stress fracture in her leg. Optometrist Shivani Khanna, 29, who travelled from Leicester for her fourth Wimbledon visit, said: "I feel for her." She will now watch champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka on Centre Court.
Ms Khanna praised the tournament's atmosphere: "I did it last year and really liked it. It's just nice to have the first games, see more people, have all the little games around."
Local Traditions
Emily and Joe Williams, from Barnes, south-west London, celebrated their wedding anniversary with champagne on Murray Mound. Mrs Williams, 42, a solicitor, said: "It's just a lovely summer occasion on the social calendar. We live so locally, as well." She confirmed they would indulge in strawberries and cream: "One hundred per cent. We brought our own booze, but we'll indulge in all of those things."
The first day's play took place in mild conditions, with fans seeking shade or sunbathing on blankets.
