Wimbledon, 2017

[Jessiealan]

Experts' picks: Roger Federer, Petra Kvitova faves for Wimbledon titles


LONDON -- Who will win the 2017 Wimbledon Championships? This year's answer seems a lot less obvious than in years past.

Each of the Big Four on the men's side has a compelling reason why he won't win. As for the women's draw, it is anyone's guess who will step up in Serena Williams' absence. (Jelena Ostapenko, anyone?!)

Here is what our experts think:


all the rest
www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/19782342/wimbledon-2017-our-experts-pick-their-winners-championships

[Jessiealan]

20 Things You Didn't Know About The championships

As Wimbledon 2017 gets underway on Monday (7 a.m. ET on ESPN, WatchESPN and ESPN App), here are a few facts to help you brush up on your tennis knowledge.

1. The Championships, as it is formally known, is one of the oldest sporting events in the world. The event was first held in 1877, and tickets cost just one English shilling, which was equivalent to about 10 U.S. cents at the time.

2. The tournament is played at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, located in the London suburb of Wimbledon. The Club Croquet Championships have been held at the venue every year since 1960.

3. The first match was played on grounds situated off Worple Road in Wimbledon. "Centre Court" was originally the center court, with the other smaller courts surrounding it. Though its name remains the same, Centre Court long stopped being the center of the AELTC complex.

4. The first tournament had one event, the gentlemen's singles. The first winner was Spencer Gore, who lost his title defense the following year and then disappeared from tennis. Up until 1922, Wimbledon title defenders only had to play in the finals.


16 more, here

www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/19783472/wimbledon-2017-20-things-know-championships

[beth]

Roger Federer Wins Seventh Wimbledon Title

7: Roger Federer holds his trophy with pride after winning the Gentlemen's Singles match during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships held at the All England Lawn…