Wimbledon etiquette gone awry: how a champagne cork stole the spotlight from Amanda Anisimova

IOL News

2 days ago

Amanda Anisimova (right) shakes hands with Coco Gauff after winning at the end of their women's singles tennis match at Wimbledon in 2022.
Image: Sebastien Bozon / AFP
Wimbledon is steeped in British tradition - from standing in long queues to watch matches through to sipping Pimms and scoffing back strawberries and cream - but the popping of champagne corks is what has been on everyone's lips this year.
In an incident on Friday afternoon, world No 13 Amanda Anisimova was left fuming after her serving game against Hungarian opponent Dalma Galfi was rudely interrupted by the loud pop of a champagne cork on No 3 Court.
Anisimova could be heard exclaiming: "Why did you have to open that right now?"
Then came the umpire's call to the enthusiastic crowd: "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, if you could avoid opening bottles of champagne when the players are about to serve."
In the video, a pundit can be heard saying they "loved that", adding that it was "the most Wimbledon warning you've ever heard".
Anisimova eventually bypassed Galfi 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
She told "Mail Sport": "I mean, it kept happening (champagne corks popping)
"At some point, I was, like, 'Can everybody just do it on the changeover?'
"It was a bit rowdy on that court, too, because you could hear everyone on the sides that are, like, outside of the court. It was definitely a bit distracting.
"Then again, I have to just adjust, try and focus as much as I can. But it can be a little loud when people are doing their external things, but I love the atmosphere and the energy and the crowd supporting me, so it's been good."
The famous "Henman Hill" at Wimbledon, but it was the popping of champagne corks that disrupted play.
Image: Independent Media / Zaahier Adams