A Guide to Etiquette at the Wimbledon Championships

There are formal rules in place at The Championships to help spectators enjoy the day and to allow players to compete without distraction.

Etiquette is slightly different. It is about the unwritten rules, the small courtesies and the accepted way to behave at Wimbledon. If you are visiting for the first time, this guide explains what to expect and how to avoid the most common faux pas.

The AELTC rules

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) sets formal rules for entry, security, prohibited items, conduct and ticket use at The Championships.

We cover the formal spectator rules in more detail here: What are the rules for Wimbledon spectators?

This article focuses on etiquette: what is considered polite, respectful and appropriate once you are at Wimbledon.

Player etiquette

Players at Wimbledon are expected to follow both the rules of tennis and the traditions of The Championships.

The best-known player rule is the all-white dress code, which remains one of Wimbledon’s defining traditions.

Player etiquette also includes:

• shaking hands before and after a match;
• showing respect to opponents, officials and ball crew;
• avoiding unsportsmanlike conduct;
• not swearing, making obscene gestures or acting aggressively; and
• accepting umpire decisions, subject to the review systems available at the event.

Spectator etiquette

Dress code

There is no general public dress code for Wimbledon, but many spectators choose to dress smartly. Centre Court and No.1 Court can feel more formal than the outside courts, especially later in the tournament.

Aim for a smart casual look. Lightweight shirts, dresses, linen, chinos, summer jackets and smart trainers or comfortable shoes all work well.

Comfort matters. You may walk a long way, queue, sit outdoors and deal with sun, rain or cooler evening conditions in the same day.

Avoid very large hats that could block the view of people behind you. A Panama hat or other low-profile sun hat is usually a safer choice.

If you are attending with a Wimbledon debenture ticket, many guests dress smartly, particularly if they are using the debenture restaurants and bars. Men are not required to wear a jacket or tie in the debenture restaurants.

Eating and drinking at Wimbledon

You can bring food and drink into the Grounds, subject to Wimbledon’s entry rules and bag limits.

You should not bring picnic hampers, cool boxes, hard-sided containers, camping chairs or large flasks into the Grounds. Vacuum flasks or dual-skin liquid containers over 500ml are not permitted.

You may bring alcohol for personal use, subject to the usual per-person limit:

• one bottle of wine or Champagne, up to 750ml; or
• two cans of beer or lager, up to 500ml each; or
• two cans of premixed aperitifs, up to 500ml each.

Spirits and fortified wines are not permitted.

Eating a full picnic in the court stands is not good etiquette. If you want to eat during play, choose something quiet, simple and not strong-smelling. Avoid noisy packaging and anything that may distract people nearby.

Hot or strong-smelling food should not be taken onto the Show Courts.

Glasses should not be brought into the court stands. Corked bottles, including Champagne and sparkling wine, should be opened before being taken into court seating areas.

There are many food and drink options at Wimbledon, from quick takeaway points to restaurants and bars.

Phones, photography and filming

Switch your phone to silent before entering a court and make sure your flash is turned off.

You may take photos for personal use, provided you do not distract players or disturb other spectators.

Do not use flash photography during play. Avoid holding your phone or camera up for long periods if it blocks the view of people behind you.

Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, gimbals and camera lenses over 300mm when extended are not permitted.

Photos and video taken inside the Grounds should not be sold or used commercially unless authorised by the AELTC.

Cheering, clapping and heckling

Wimbledon crowds can be enthusiastic, but timing matters.

Applaud good play after the point has finished. It is fine to cheer, gasp or react naturally once a rally is over.

Do not shout while a player is preparing to serve or during a rally. Avoid calling out a player’s name just before they serve.

Heckling is poor etiquette and may lead to intervention by stewards, especially if it distracts players or affects other spectators.

Spectators are generally expected not to clap a double fault or a fortunate net cord. This is not a strict law, but it is part of tennis etiquette.

You can speak quietly to the person next to you during play, but keep it brief and low. If others can clearly hear your conversation, it is too loud.

Seating

Respect the personal space of spectators around you. Wimbledon seats can be close together, especially on busy courts.

Do not put bags, coats or feet on another person’s seat. Keep your belongings under control and avoid leaning forward in a way that blocks the view of people behind you.

See also: Which are the best seats at the Wimbledon Championships?

Moving around the courts

Only enter or leave a court at the change of ends or between matches. Stewards will normally hold spectators at the entrance until it is the right time to move.

If you leave for food, drink or a toilet break, you may have to wait before you can return to your seat.

Move quickly and carefully when stewards allow entry. Avoid stopping in gangways or standing where you block the view.

Saving seats

On courts with reserved seating, you should sit in your allocated seat.

On courts with unreserved seating, do not assume you can save seats for a long period. If someone has only stepped away briefly, it is usually courteous to respect that. If you are unsure, ask a steward.

Children

Children are welcome at Wimbledon, but they should be able to sit quietly during play and follow steward instructions.

Children aged five and over need their own ticketed seat for the Show Courts. Children under five are not permitted on the Show Courts.

The Wimbledon Queue

If you are joining The Wimbledon Queue, queue etiquette matters.

Queue jumping is not acceptable. Follow the instructions from stewards and respect the order of arrival.

If you are camping overnight, you may bring a two-person tent. Larger tents, gazebos, barbecues, camping stoves and fires are not permitted.

Keep noise down, especially late at night and early in the morning. Loud music, drunken behaviour or disorderly conduct may result in you being asked to leave.

If you need to leave the Queue for a short period, follow the current Queue guidance and steward instructions. Do not assume that your place can be held indefinitely.

In short

Good Wimbledon etiquette is simple: be prepared, be considerate, keep quiet during play, move only at the right times and follow steward instructions.

Most spectators are there for the same reason: to enjoy world-class tennis in a setting with its own traditions. A little courtesy goes a long way.

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