Guardian photographer Sarah Lee has documented the second week of the Wimbledon tennis championship at the All England Club, capturing the unique atmosphere that makes the tournament a cherished event. For Lee, photographing Wimbledon is primarily about people-watching, a sentiment she often shares when asked about her work.
Human Stories Amidst the Tennis
Lee, who describes herself as a 20th-century photographer at heart, emphasizes the human elements that define Wimbledon. She notes that while technology advances, the core of the event remains human dreams, hopes, thrills, and despair. These emotions play out across the courts and grounds of SW19, with thousands watching from stands and Henman Hill.
Her personal connection to Wimbledon dates back to watching Boris Becker win his first title in 1985, when she was seven and Becker was 17. She now finds the tournament an antidote to contemporary times, a space where human interaction thrives without the visual noise of advertising.
Minimal Advertising and Visual Identity
Lee was struck by the strict visual identity of the tournament. In 2025, Wimbledon generated an estimated £370 million, yet it gives minimal space to advertising. What little exists is handprinted and discreet, allowing photographers and attendees to focus on people without brand logos and screens dominating the experience.
This approach extends to the behaviour and dress code, which are among the best in sports. Spectators adhere to an unwritten code of civility and courtesy, creating a corrective balm to the world at large. Lee observed large crowds being considerate and getting along with each other.
Access and Ground Tickets
Ground tickets available on the day provide the public with greater access to Wimbledon compared to many other major sporting events. Ball boys and girls are fast, well-trained, and efficient, contributing to the smooth running of the tournament.
Many attendees enjoy the social side of Wimbledon as much as the tennis itself. Pimm's, a British gin-based liqueur, remains a popular refreshment associated with the event.
Rules and Etiquette
Anyone working at Wimbledon must sign a long and precise set of rules before collecting their pass. Spectators follow their own code of behaviour, with expectations of civility and courtesy generally met. Lee found this refreshing, seeing people in large crowds being considerate and getting on with each other.
