'I went to Wimbledon for the day and saw the details the cameras don't show you'

Daily Mirror

3 days ago

Every year, as Summer rolls around, Wimbledon has obviously been on my radar. But if I'm brutally honest, it never really piqued my interest unless there was a huge name involved.
Think the likes of Andy Murray, Serena Williams etc - the names even a non-tennis fan would know. I would watch a big match but would never turn the TV on for it - until now.
I was kindly invited to spend the day with Evian at their Fountain of Youth suite and I really got a taste of just what Wimbledon was all about, and it completely blew me away.
As soon as you step on to the grounds, we were whisked away to hospitality then on to a private, air-conditioned suite located just above Court One. I stepped inside and was treated to a full lunch, as well as Pimm's and Champagne. Who could say no to a glass of bubbles at lunchtime on a Thursday?!
To say I've never felt imposter syndrome quite like it would be the understatement of the century. The level of luxury I experienced was something that quite frankly, I never imagined that I would. I am so grateful!
What really caught my attention was seeing what really goes on at Wimbledon behind the scenes. The television obviously only shows you the matches, but even then, it's hard to grasp the sheer scale of the event.
The grounds are a lot larger than I thought they would be. I almost forgot just how many courts there were as I had only ever really watched matches on TV that were held on centre court or court one. It's such a funny thing to get to experience an event in person that's so highly regarded and widely watched on television - it all felt quite surreal.
Walking around the grounds, there was a variety of people there to enjoy the day, from those who had queued for hours, to the odd celeb sighting.
I loved seeing everyone really soaking in the atmosphere and making the most of the day. The glorious sunshine probably helped, although, I will say, my mini-fan has never had so much use in it's life!
There's a load of options for food and drink around the grounds and it all looked wonderful. You could have anything you wanted! I was blown away by the choices.
What I did notice that there was a clear winner in terms of drinks - everyone was carrying a cup of Pimm's, and quite right too!
Once we got back to the suite and had a little seat, it was time to head out to court one to watch a game or two. We were lucky enough to have secured seats for the whole day so we could come and go as we pleased. This was one thing I didn't know you could do!
Naively, I assumed you'd have to be sat in the same seat all day but you could roam as freely as you'd like. This was ideal because we had amazing seats, but they were directly in the sun, so some respite in the shade was occasionally needed.
I was completely taken aback by viewing it all in person. The cameras don't quite show just how much is involved in the game. The speed of the ball completely blew my mind and the reaction time of the ball boys and girls was truly mind-blowing. I couldn't believe how fast they were and how uniform it all was, even in the sweltering heat.
The whole thing was timed down to the second and it was so fascinating to see it all through this lens. I was completely in awe about how well everything was done and how regimented it all was, and it's given me a new-found respect for anyone involved in making it all happen.
On my train home I couldn't help but ponder the day's events and just how magical the whole experience was. Wimbledon was something I grew up with in a way, I didn't watch much of it by every summer I was acutely aware of it, especially when Andy Murray was playing (I am Scottish and always rooted for him), or the iconic Williams sisters.
I had the absolute best day and would go back in a heartbeat. The atmosphere was electric and I absolutely loved every second of it. The experience has even turned me into a tennis fan!