Claim: John McEnroe was a tennis player.

The Championships , Wimbledon , commonly known simply as Wimbledon , is the oldest tennis tournament in the world , and is widely considered the most prestigious . It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon , London , since 1877 and is played on outdoor grass courts .   Wimbledon is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments , the others being the Australian Open , the French Open and the US Open . Since the Australian Open shifted to hardcourt in 1988 , Wimbledon is the only major still played on grass .   The tournament takes place over two weeks in late June and early July , culminating with the Ladies ' and Gentlemen 's Singles Final , scheduled for the second Saturday and Sunday of July respectively . Five major , junior , and invitational events are held each year . Wimbledon traditions include a strict dress code for competitors and Royal patronage . The tournament is also notable for the absence of sponsor advertising around the courts . In 2009 , Wimbledon 's Centre Court was fitted with a retractable roof to lessen the loss of playing time due to rain .