The first images from inside Wimbledon's legendary All-England Club have been published as the tournament opened today (Monday, June 28).
A unique set of circumstances brought by the Covid-19 pandemic will mean this year's final tennis Grand Slam will look different to previous editions.
Indeed, mask-wearing officials leaving the first spectators over the club's threshold gave Monday a distinct feel compared to previous editions of the world-famous tournament.
Reduced numbers and similar Covid-related safety restrictions will be in place throughout this year's Wimbledon, and Henman Hill numbers looked significantly diminished on a rainy Day One.
An opening day on Centre Court with a difference...
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021
A special moment as we say thank you to those who have played such an important role in the response to COVID-19#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/16dW1kQ2nr
Fortunately, roofs on Centre Court and Court One came in handy as London's changeable weather saw both rain and sunshine grace the first day of the two-week spectacle.
Meanwhile, in the Royal Box on Centre Court were some of the UK's heroes from the Covid-19 pandemic, invited by the club's chairman to the first day of the tournament.
Among them were leaders who helped develop a Covid vaccine, NHS nursing staff and critical care doctors, and one of Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughters.
All were given rousing rounds of applause by the crowd, who rose to their feet to cheer and clap them for their services.
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