There is a peculiar atmosphere about the centre court at
Wimbledon that is unique in my knowledge of the game. Certain
players revel in it. The majority do not feel it, and since they
do not sense it, they find only the material disadvantages of
rather bad light, and much noise from the stand, and dislike the
centre court. Personally, I enjoy playing on the centre court at
Wimbledon more than any court I have ever stepped upon.
The traditions of the great players of the past, the notable
personages that make up the parties in the Royal Box and
Committee Box, the honour of a visit from their Majesties the
King and Queen, and, above all, the generous, non-partisan,
sportsmanlike attitude of the British public, make it a unique
privilege to enter the centre court in championship competition.
These things inspire the mind to an almost abnormal keenness. It
is this atmosphere that made N. E. Brookes, Anthony F. Wilding,
A. W. Gore, R. F. and H. L. Doherty more dangerous there than
anywhere else. It is this factor that spurs on J. C. Parke and A.
R. F. Kingscote to their greatest tennis to-day.
The great championship turf at Forest Hills, where the American
Championship is held, offers a unique contrast to Wimbledon.
The age of Wimbledon is its great attraction. It is the spirit of
youth, of progress, of business-like mechanical perfection of
management, and the enormous crowds and attendant enthusiasm that
is the chief attraction at Forest Hills.
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