How to Watch the 2026 Wimbledon Qualifying Competition

Before the world’s best take to Centre Court, Wimbledon hosts its official Qualifying Competition - an essential gateway for the final players hoping to earn their place at the Championships. Here's everything you need to know about attending this unique and exciting event.

What is Wimbledon Qualifying?

The Wimbledon Qualifying Competition offers rising stars and seasoned pros ranked just outside the automatic entry cutoff a chance to compete for a coveted place in the main tournament.

Held the week before Wimbledon, the qualifying event typically features players ranked between world No. 100 and No. 250. Each must win three consecutive matches to secure one of the 16 available spots in both the men's and women's singles draws.

In some cases, a "lucky loser" may also make it into the main draw. This happens when a main-draw player withdraws after qualifying is complete. A random draw is then held among the four highest-ranked players who lost in the final round of qualifying to determine who will take their place.

What are the Wimbledon Qualifying dates?

For 2026, the Qualifying Competition takes place from Monday 22 June to Thursday 25 June at the Community Sport Centre Roehampton. Tickets go on sale from early June and are available for pre-purchase.

When is the Wimbledon Qualifying Competition?

Unlike the other Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon holds its Qualifying Competition off-site to protect the pristine grass courts at the All England Club.

Currently, qualifying matches are played at the nearby Community Sport Centre in Roehampton. However, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has announced plans to move the Qualifying Competition to the main Wimbledon site - possibly as soon as 2026 - offering fans a more integrated tournament experience.

The 2026 provisional venue is:

Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre
Bank Lane (off Priory Lane)
Roehampton
London
SW15 5JQ

See: https://communitysport.aeltc.com/

What is the tournament format?

The Wimbledon Qualifying Competition uses a knockout format. For the men’s event, matches are played as best-of-three sets in the first two rounds, with the final round extending to best-of-five, mirroring the intensity of the main tournament. Women compete in best-of-three set matches throughout all three rounds.

If the final set reaches 6–6, a 10-point tiebreak is used to decide the winner, in line with the Grand Slam standard. Players who win all three of their qualifying matches, 16 men and 16 women in total, secure a coveted spot in the main draw at Wimbledon.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets for the Wimbledon Qualifying Competition are typically affordable and provide access to all courts at the venue - allowing fans to move freely and watch multiple matches throughout the day.

While a limited number of tickets may be available at the gate, it's strongly recommended to purchase them in advance to secure entry, especially on the final day of qualifying when demand is highest.

For those unable to attend in person, selected broadcasters - including the BBC Sport website and BBC Red Button in the UK - will provide live coverage of the event.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets for the Wimbledon Qualifying Competition will be available to purchase online here from early June. This offers excellent value for a full day of world-class tennis. All proceeds go directly to the Wimbledon Foundation, supporting community and charitable initiatives in the UK and beyond.

Tips for first-time attendees

The Wimbledon Qualifying Competition offers a very different experience from the main Championships - more relaxed, intimate, and informal, but still packed with high-quality tennis.

Only one court has grandstand seating, and spots can be hard to come by. Most courts are surrounded by open viewing areas, including a grassy bank where spectators can sit and watch multiple matches. Bringing a foldable chair is a smart move, especially if you plan to follow a specific match or player, or simply want to avoid standing for long periods. Many fans enjoy the freedom to wander between courts and catch a variety of matches up close.

Getting to the venue can be a challenge. There is no on-site parking, and the nearest train station - Barnes - is about a 15-minute walk away, so plan your journey accordingly.

A small café is available for lunch and refreshments, but you're welcome to bring your own food and drink, which many attendees choose to do.

All in all, the Qualifying Competition is a great opportunity to see some high-class grass court tennis, up close, and for a very low price.

It is also a chance to watch some of the game’s rising stars before they become regulars on the ATP and WTA Tours.

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