Wimbledon started yesterday, and we’re looking back at the world-famous tennis tournament and times when Cumbrians have taken up racquets.


It’s the world’s oldest competition of its kind and is widely regarded as the most prestigious, having been held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 1877.
Matches are played on outdoor grass courts, with retractable roofs over the two main courts since 2019.
The tournament takes place over two weeks in late June and early July, starting either on the last Monday in June or the first Monday in July and culminating with the ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles finals on the Saturday and Sunday at the end of the second week. 
Wimbledon traditions include a strict all-white dress code for competitors, royal patronage and strawberries and cream.
Tennis has always been popular in Cumbria and our main picture shows Anna Tobojka and her nephew Oliver Kwiatkowski, aged five, playing at Bitts Park in Carlisle as part of ‘I Am Team GB’ free taster sessions.

(Image: Newsquest)

Above is Gwendoline Masey-Long from Ennerdale, who said she’d like to see Andy Murray win Wimbledon.

(Image: Newsquest)
The 2016 tournament coincided with the opening of the new multi-use games area at Ennerdale Bridge. Pupils from Ennerdale School are pictured trying it out.

(Image: Newsquest)
Sally Lansbury is shown checking the grass on the Fitz Park Tennis Club courts in Keswick.

(Image: Newsquest)
Meanwhile, efforts were made to improve the use of Maryport Tennis Club courts at Netherhall School. Among those involved were Sarah Scott, Brian Taylor, Netherhall head Dave Tromans and Frank Underwood.

(Image: Newsquest)
Many came to admire it when the Davis Cup stopped off at The Sands Centre in Carlisle after Great Britain won it in 2015.

(Image: Newsquest)

Pictured in 1976 are the junior under 18 county tennis team taking part in the inter-county championship. From left to right are Andrea Wood and Christine Askins (Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith), Susan Walker (Cockermouth Grammar School) and Louise Fearon (Workington Grammar School).

(Image: Newsquest)
Kate and Edward Copeland used tennis to warm up for the Sports Relief mile at Grasmoor Sports Centre, Cockermouth, in 2016.

(Image: Newsquest)

Our final picture shows Vincent Lofgren deep in concentration as he takes a shot at the West Cumbria Mini Red Tennis Tour event at Moorclose Sports Centre.