Yet fans, players and casual observers alike will sit up and take notice next month as the tennis roadshow moves to London, and specifically to the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon. In the UK, Wimbledon is one of those sporting events that everyone gets drawn into, a little like the Super Bowl or the Indianapolis 500. And today, thanks to live streaming technology, distance is no object and tennis fans across the globe can get in on the action. Whether they want to simply watch the games, or perhaps place a wager or two on the outcome, Wimbledon has an international audience via internet streaming and global TV deals, and it is growing year on year.

But what is it about this event that makes it just a little different from the other three Grand Slam events on the calendar?

Exclusive yet inclusive

The British know how to add an air of exclusivity to their sporting events, and Wimbledon is a perfect example. As the TV cameras scan the spectators at Centre Court, it is like a Who's Who of the rich and famous. Hollywood A-listers, captains of industry, rock icons, they are all there – and that's before you even look towards the Royal Box, that has graced numerous royals, from King George VI to the Duchess of Cambridge.

At the same time, though, Wimbledon is open to all. In his peak years, British nearly-man Tim Henman had an avid band of followers who would sit on a grassy mound a distance away from Centre Court to watch the action on a big screen – it is still known as Henman Hill to this day.

Classic moments

Wimbledon has a habit of producing some of the most memorable events, and often they transcend sport. Remember Pat Cash clambering up to the players box to celebrate his 1987 win? Or how about in 1996, when the most memorable moment came when play was delayed due to the English weather? Pop icon Cliff Richard was there as a spectator and agreed to entertain the crowd with an impromptu sing along – now that just doesn't happen and Roland Garros.

The players' choice

Perhaps most important of all, though, Wimbledon is the event that the players revere above all else. A little like the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula One, that gives the tournament a little extra spice. Double US Open winner Kim Klijsters said "It's just so special, nothing can compare to the history you feel when you are about to step on Centre Court at Wimbledon," while nine-times Wimbledon winner Martina Navratilova has always said that playing at Wimbledon is "like coming home."
This year's Wimbledon tournament gets underway on July 01, and will conclude on July 14 and 15, with the women's final on Saturday and the men's on Sunday. Be prepared for two weeks of history in the making!