While many of us experience Wimbledon through our screens, TS contributor Emma D’Arcy was lucky enough to watch the sporting event (and it’s accompanying fashion) first-hand.

The anticipation. The excitement. The glamorous outfits. The high drama on court. Of course, we’re talking about Wimbledon. This summer, the most hotly anticipated tennis tournament in the world returned in style.

Growing up in England, I used to know summer had truly arrived when the green courts of SW19 graced our screens – watching some of the greatest players of our time perform on the greatest stage in the tennis world – I was enthralled. I first visited Wimbledon when I took time off work to join the famous queue – which I highly recommend as it’s brilliant fun and well worth the wait – it’s all part of the experience. Ground passes offer incredible access in the first week to see up-and-coming talent, as well as more established household names. Over the years I have visited regularly and enjoyed all Wimbledon experiences, from visiting with ground passes through to Centre court action. Witnessing Murray beat Djokovic in the men’s final for the first time, possibly the best tennis match I’ve ever seen!

This year was extra special. I was able to buy tickets as a surprise birthday present for my wonderful mum Jacquie. As we arrived at the grounds, walking to the ticket holders queue, she was thrilled to discover we had tickets to No. 1 Court. The atmosphere was electric. Spectators excitedly arrived to check out the order of play and headed to the courts for what is always a very memorable day. A general hum of excited chatter interspersed with respectful quiet – only the sound of balls hitting racquets as points were played out.

Mum and I headed to the outer courts (I am still amazed at how close we are to the action), and enjoyed flitting between watching a men’s doubles to a ladies’ singles match before eating an early lunch, as play began at 1pm on No. 1 Court. We were excited to watch a British player, and whilst Liam Brody lost in straight sets to Alex de Minaur, it was still an incredibly exciting match with a super-charged atmosphere. Like any sports stadium, that initial moment when you walk from the concourse out into the stadium, past the honorary armed forces guards, into the iconic courts where the most epic matches have been played, it’s quite the occasion. Later we witnessed the most explosive match of the tournament: Nick Kyrgios and his battle against Stefanos Tsitsipas, which was unbelievable to watch.

Then there’s the fashion. It’s great fun to see such an array of stylish outfits. Women in their summer dresses and jumpsuits with glamorous accessories and trainers or wedges. Personally, I like to dress for the occasion with a flowing maxi dress and a Panama hat, or wide-leg linen trousers paired with a fitted Blazer and big Tom Ford shades. It’s all part of Wimbledon tennis tradition: glamorous outfit, Pimms, strawberries, and cream!

Glimpsing your sporting heroes and heroines is always a possibility, as the All England Club prides itself on maintaining that community feel typical of English tennis club tradition. Topping off an incredible day, my mum and I were lucky enough to glimpse sporting legends and fashion icons – from John McEnroe to Anna Wintour – dressed exquisitely at No. 1 Court during the Kyrgios versus Tsitsipas showdown. On our way home, we agreed that Wimbledon 2022 had delivered yet another spectacular sporting tournament to remember.