LONDON (AP) – As players prepare to step onto the grass of Wimbledon’s No. 1 Court, they now walk through a newly renovated corridor filled with rich history and iconic memorabilia that celebrate some of the tournament’s most memorable moments and stars. The hallway, which leads directly to the second-largest stadium on the grounds, has been transformed into a gallery designed to inspire and honor the legends of the game.
“We were really keen to create a more inspiring place for players and create a sense of occasion,” said Malin Lundin, collections manager for the All England Club. “We wanted to highlight key moments from the history of this court and what sets it apart from Centre Court as well.”
Among the standout items on display are match-worn outfits from Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff, and Andy Murray. Raducanu’s white dress from her sensational 2021 run—when she became the youngest British woman in the Open era to reach Wimbledon’s fourth round—is prominently featured. Just beside it is the ensemble Coco Gauff wore in 2019 during her breakout moment, when the then-15-year-old stunned five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams en route to the fourth round in her Grand Slam debut.
Also showcased are pieces from retired British greats Andy Murray and Tim Henman. Murray’s T-shirt and shorts commemorate his early Wimbledon matches, including his second career major appearance at No. 1 Court. Henman’s contributions include a full outfit, racket, and sneakers, symbolizing his deep connection to British tennis and his final appearance at the All England Club during a 2007 Davis Cup match.
The hallway’s deep green walls are lined with inspiring quotes from six-time Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King and wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett. Illuminated signs recount legendary moments from both the current and former No. 1 Court, such as John McEnroe’s unforgettable “You cannot be serious!” outburst in 1981.
While the display was also designed to enhance television broadcasts, players often remain too focused on their matches to fully appreciate the visual transformation. Taylor Fritz, who has played most of his matches at No. 1 Court this year, admitted he hadn’t noticed the changes, recalling only a photo of Reilly Opelka from their junior days.
Still, some players have taken time to admire the tribute. Maria Sakkari, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, shared her appreciation: “I saw Coco’s outfit and a couple more. That’s cool.”
Wimbledon has been asking players to donate memorabilia for about 20 years, according to Lundin. Sakkari even joked about contributing: “My current outfit is worth having in a museum. Maybe not mine—but from another player—it’s worth giving them.”
The redesigned space stands as a living museum, celebrating past glories while reminding today’s stars that they too are writing history with every match.
