References

Game, set and match on "sacred turf"
The lawn is an integral part of Wimbledon, even part of the Club's title: Originally known as the All England Croquet Club, Wimbledon first hosted the lovers of another typical British grass sport in 1868, before an increased interest in lawn tennis led to a corresponding change of name in 1877. In that same year, the first tennis tournament was held in Wimbledon.
Subject to technical changes; no liability accepted for the accuracy of the information given!