DistantNews
Support us
Wimbledon's Head Greenkeeper: The 'Holy Grass' is Checked 18,240 Times in Two Weeks
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Sports

Wimbledon's Head Greenkeeper: The 'Holy Grass' is Checked 18,240 Times in Two Weeks

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Wimbledon's head groundskeeper Neil Stubley and his team meticulously maintain the famed grass courts year-round.
  • The intense preparation involves constant monitoring and care to ensure the courts meet the tournament's high standards.
  • Stubley views players eating the grass, like Novak Djokovic, as a sign the tournament's most stressful phase is over.

The hallowed turf of Wimbledon undergoes a year-round transformation, meticulously managed by head groundskeeper Neil Stubley and his dedicated team. Their work ensures the iconic grass courts meet the tournament's exacting standards, a task that demands constant vigilance and specialized care.

Stubley admits to experiencing sleepless nights filled with anxieties about the courts' condition. However, he finds a peculiar sense of relief when players, such as seven-time champion Novak Djokovic, celebrate victories by symbolically eating a piece of the grass. For Stubley, this act signifies the end of the tournament's most demanding period and the easing of immense pressure.

Djokovic has a tradition of celebrating his Wimbledon triumphs by taking a bite of the Centre Court grass. Stubley, while acknowledging this unique ritual, views it with a sense of humor. He sees it as a testament to the quality of the courts and a signal that his most stressful responsibilities are concluded, allowing him to finally relax.

If you're not worried, it means you don't care about anything. So I'll gladly accept that.

โ€” Neil StubleyWimbledon's head groundskeeper Neil Stubley reflects on the pressure and relief associated with maintaining the tournament's grass courts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.