Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/117483
Great Britain defeated USA to win the Davis Cup at Wimbledon in 1935 Rod Laver wins the Wimbledon World Professional Lawn Tennis Championships in 1967 and is interviewed on court by the BBC Billie Jean King, far right, takes part in the first Open Wimbledon in 1968 with fellow National Tennis League female pros Francoise Durr, Ann Jones and Rosie Casals The new No.2 Court under construction in 2009 www.itftennis.com It is not just the development of tennis worldwide that Wimbledon has contributed to. The Club has opened its doors and courts to schoolchildren from the two local London boroughs, Merton and Wandsworth, in a coaching scheme named the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative. In addition, every year hundreds of 14 yearolds and younger compete across the country for the chance to play at Wimbledon in the Road to Wimbledon tournament. These grass roots programmes, both fronted by Club committee member Tim Henman, form part of Wimbledon���s overarching foundation, which contributes to a variety of charities. There is also the Club���s support of Davis Cup, a cornerstone of the ITF���s mission to grow the sport of tennis in as many nations as possible. ���The All England Club has hosted more than 20 of Great Britain���s Davis Cup ties starting in 1904, most recently in 2008,��� said Ricci Bitti. ���The Championships and the Davis Cup have shared a lot of history in the last 100 years so the ITF is always pleased to see Wimbledon involved. A Davis Cup tie at Wimbledon always feels like a kind of homecoming, as the Olympics did last summer.��� Wimbledon���s openness and desire to play a part in the London 2012 Olympics is also worthy of note. ���The All England Club has a long history of cooperation with the Olympic movement having staged the Games in 1908 so, when we started to put together the bid for the London 2012 Games, it was, of course, our hope to hold the Olympic Tennis events at the Club,��� commented Seb Coe, the former Chairman of London 2012 who guided the city through the most successful Olympics in recent history. ���From the outset, we received fantastic cooperation and, from the moment London was awarded the 2012 Games, the Club worked closely and unselfishly with LOCOG and the ITF to stage a hugely successful Olympic tennis tournament. The club and the facilities are in a class of their own.��� The Club���s inaugural Long Term Plan, conceived in 1993, was the first of its kind, and created three new show courts, new player facilities, a roof on Centre Court, and so much more. But, as with everything in the AELTC���s gift, those facilities are set to improve even further. This year will see the launch of the Club���s new masterplan, which will aim to enhance Wimbledon���s status as the world���s premier tennis tournament, and, crucially, maintain it on grass. ���Wimbledon is unique in protecting the wonderful traditions of grass court tennis set amongst the tea lawns and beautiful settings of the Club with a modernism and quality that rivals any event or venue in world sport,��� says the BBC���s Davies. That principle is embodied in the ambitious new developments, which are set to include a roof on No.1 Court and expanded facilities for players, spectators, press, members, all of those parties who are integral to The Championships, while staying true to the ethos that Wimbledon is ���tennis in an English garden.��� ���They���ve made an effort to stay ahead, but to keep their own identity,��� King says. ���To be who they are, but also be open to change and innovation. That is what makes Wimbledon absolutely deserving of this prestigious award.��� ITFWORLD SPRING 2013 21