As winter approaches, Wimbledon is a far cry from the bustling summer spectacle that captivates the world. The stands lie empty and the famous ivy that clings to Centre Court takes center stage against a muted color scheme. However, beneath the surface, the team responsible for maintaining this iconic venue is hard at work.
Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture, is busy dissecting data from hundreds of thousands of tests, all designed to help the team improve the grass and playing conditions for the prestigious tournament. From monitoring the height of ball bounces to measuring moisture content in the soil, every aspect of the courts is rigorously examined.
Stubley has worked at Wimbledon for over 28 years, witnessing the changes and improvements that have been made since his first job as a student in 1995. Despite the challenges and pressures of maintaining one of the world’s most revered pieces of land, he remains calm and positive, motivated by his love of the sport and this incredible venue.
While the physical changes that occur during the off-season may be small, they are vital to the success of the tournament. From the solitary GPS-guided robotic mower affectionately nicknamed Little Nicky, to the complex and multi-layered data-gathering efforts, it’s these behind-the-scenes endeavors that make Wimbledon the iconic event that it is
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