Why is Wimbledon called SW19?

The SW19 postal code: A brief history and its connection to Wimbledon.

Why is Wimbledon called SW19?

Wimbledon (Image via: sportstar hindu)

The Wimbledon Championships, the oldest known tennis tournament, which prides itself on its rich heritage and tradition, took root in 1877. The Championships are conducted annually at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon, a district in Merton, viz. in the southwest part of London. Hence, the eponymous name of the tournament is Wimbledon.

To many professional tennis players and budding youngsters who aspire to turn pro, winning the Championships is the pinnacle of achievement in tennis. The coveted blade of grass on Centre Court, the showpiece arena at Wimbledon, has witnessed many an epic battle over the years. These battles have been enshrined in the memories of tennis aficionados and even laypeople alike for many generations.

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The tournament is often referred to as “SW19“, which represents the postal code of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, where the tournament is held. But why is Wimbledon called SW19?

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Also read: Who was the first Wimbledon champion? And when it was played for the first time?

The London postal code system and how Wimbledon got its name

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Wimbledon (Image Courtesy : tennis365)

The London postal code system introduced first in 1857, is a system of identifying addresses in London. The letter “SW” in SW19 stands for “South West”, and the number “19” refers to the postal district of Wimbledon. The code SW19 was assigned to Wimbledon in 1917, during World War I. The postal service at the time was being revamped, and the new postal codes were designed to make it more convenient to sort, process and deliver mail.

The postal code SW19 is also used to identify other areas in southwest London, such as the Battersea district. However, it is most commonly associated with Wimbledon, as the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), which hosts the Wimbledon Championships, is located in SW19.

The AELTC manages a total of 38 lawn tennis courts, 18 of which are used for competition, and the remaining 20 courts are exclusively meant for practice. Wimbledon is a sporting institution that has stood the test of time for more than a century. The tournament has been witness to many changes over that time. However, Wimbledon has also managed to retain its traditional charm. 

Players still wear white clothing, and spectators are expected to follow the rules of etiquette. The unique blend of tradition and innovation is what makes Wimbledon stand apart. The Championships are a stark reminder that even in a world that is constantly changing, there are still some things that are worth preserving.

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