Wimbledon abolishes time-honoured tradition

Tennis stars will no longer have to bow or curtsy to the Royal Box at Wimbledon, it has been announced.

The abolition of the time-honoured tradition was at the suggestion of the Duke of Kent, the All England Club’s president.

It comes at the same time as the players are handed a 9.5% pay rise for playing in the singles at this year’s championships.

The relaxation of protocol at the British tennis championship was revealed yesterday at the same time as the prize money increases were announced.

The only exceptions will be if the Queen or the Prince of Wales attend.

All England chairman Tim Phillips said: “The players don’t have any problem with it but the Duke of Kent feels the time is right to stop this and we respect his view on that.”

Previously, players have had to bow or curtsy to members of the Royal Family when walking onto or leaving Centre Court.