The tournament's aristocratic traditions and finely manicured grass courts are as famous as its all-star competitor roster. Mark Batt, MB, BChir, an editorial board member of The Physician and Sportsmedicine , served on the Wimbledon medical team for the first time this year. Tournament organizers advertised nationally for sports medicine physicians to cover the event, an approach that is good for sports medicine, Batt says. It's an open competition, not based on an old boys' club or nepotism, which reflects well on the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Assisting the medical team are large staffs of physical therapists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists who work with the men's and women's tours.
Athletic trainers travel with the tours and provide consistent care.
Spectator care is delivered at six first aid posts staffed by the St John Ambulance Brigade. Wimbledon is steeped in history, but very contemporary. Familiarity with grass courts is crucial for Wimbledon medical staff because the surface creates a unique injury profile compared with other tennis surfaces. Batt had previously covered the Nottingham Open, a precursor to Wimbledon, which is also played on grass courts. Though he says playing on grass is kinder to the joints, it is typically damper than other tennis surfaces and can contribute to slips and falls.