Wimbledon isn’t just about strawberries and epic five-setters—it’s a meticulously designed tennis fortress. Tucked in southwest London, its grounds combine tradition with quiet architectural ambition.
What began in the 19th century as a single tournament now unfolds across an intricate network of grass courts, each with its own rhythm, history and role during the fortnight. Some are iconic; others, quietly essential.
Beyond the global spotlight lies a vast layout that fuels the tournament’s pace. The exact number of courts may surprise those who only tune in for the main stage drama. Wimbledon, after all, runs like clockwork—for a reason.
How many courts does Wimbledon have?
Wimbledon features a total of 18 championship grass courts used for main matches during the tournament. In addition, the grounds include 20 practice courts, bringing the total to 38 courts dedicated to play and warm-ups.
A general view of play across various courts on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 01, 2025. (Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
These numbers are confirmed by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the governing body of the tournament. The most famous, of course, is Centre Court, but behind the glamour is a logistical masterpiece.
Centre Court and No.1 Court
Centre Court is the crown jewel, built in 1922 and modernized with a retractable roof in 2009. It seats 14,974 spectators and hosts most marquee matches, including the men’s and women’s finals. Its legendary aura is part sporting venue, part sacred ground.
No.1 Court, just next door, is not far behind in prestige. Renovated and fitted with its own roof in 2019, it seats 12,345 fans and regularly hosts major names in early rounds and quarterfinals. The atmosphere in both is intense, elegant and unmistakably British.
Outer Courts: Where the Drama Quietly Begins
While the world tunes in for Centre Court magic, Courts 2 to 18 are where the grind truly happens. Nicknamed “The Graveyard of Champions“, Court No.2 has seen multiple early-round upsets of top seeds, adding unpredictability to the draw every year.
A general view over Court 18 as Shintaro Mochizuki plays a forehand against Karen Khachanov during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match on day three of The Championships Wimbledon 2025. (Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
These courts may lack size but not story. With smaller crowds, raw emotions and rising stars fighting for survival, they’re often where future legends are born. The fans know it—some of the most passionate atmospheres happen here.
The Lesser-Known Surfaces at Wimbledon
Though Wimbledon is synonymous with grass, the AELTC also maintains eight clay courts and five indoor hard courts, used mainly outside the Championships for member play and training. These surfaces aren’t part of the tournament itself but reflect the Club’s year-round role in tennis development.
They also serve as part of the club’s long-term innovation strategy. In recent years, plans have been unveiled to expand even further, with the Wimbledon Park Project proposing the addition of 38 more grass courts, potentially reshaping the tournament’s future footprint.
