Tennis Trivia 4

What is the brand of the official balls used at Wimbledon?

• Babolat

• Wilson

• Slazenger

• Dunlop

Answer explanation

Since 1902, the only official ball has been the Slazenger ball. Thus, this brand is the oldest sponsorship linked to the sport.

Which is the dessert par excellence to enjoy the Wimbledon matches?

• Apple pie
• Strawberries and cream
• Chocolate cake
• Vanilla ice cream

Answer explanation

Since the first edition of Wimbledon in 1877, strawberries and cream have been part of the championship. They symbolize the arrival of summer (when the tournament takes place) because strawberries are in season and also represent the timeless charm and tradition of the tournament.

What is the origin of the name of the tournament 'Roland garros'?

• It is the French region in which is played

• Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal
• It means "grand celebration" in French

• French aviator Roland Garros

Answer explanation

Roland Garros was a French aviator who was also an amateur tennis player. He was the first person to fly non-stop across the Mediterranean Sea. The stadium and the tournament were named in his honor by Émile Lesieur, a friend of Garros and the president of the Stade Français, the sports club responsible for building the stadium.

Why do tennis players check the ball before serving?

• To choose the lightest ball

• To choose the less hairy ball

• To choose the bounciest ball

• To choose the brightest ball

Answer explanation

It all comes down to hair. The hair on a new tennis ball tends to be smoothed flat, while a ball that's been knocked around a bit will be more fluffy. Tennis players may check three balls or more before serving to select one smooth ball and one fluffy ball.

Traditionally, why did players have to wear white clothing when playing at Wimbledon?

• To mask sweat stains

• To demonstrate sportsmanship

• To honor the Queen of England

• So they can be visible on the grass

Answer explanation

The tradition began in the Victorian era, when tennis was primarily a leisure activity for the upper class. During this time, sweating was considered unseemly, especially for women. Wearing white was believed to be more effective at masking sweat stains compared to colored clothing, thus maintaining a more "proper" and elegant appearance.

Who was the most recent teenager to win a tennis Grand Slam?

• Iga Świątek

• Elena Rybákina

• Ons Jabeur

• Emma Raducanu

Answer explanation

Emma Raducanu, at the age of 18 years and 302 days, won the US Open 2021 women’s singles title to become the latest teenager to win a tennis major.

The following tennis player is the only one to have won two gold Olympic medals:

• Andre Agassi

• Rafael Nadal

• Alexander Zverev

• Andy Murray

Answer explanation

Andy Murray became the first player to retain the singles gold medal at the Olympic Games, winning against Federer at London 2012 and against Juan Martin del Potro at Rio 2016.

Which of the following tournaments is not an ATP Masters 1000?

• Shanghai

• Montreal

• Barcelona

• Cincinnati

What is the name of the trophy won by the Roland garros champion?

• Paris Trophy

• Challenge Cup

• Musketeers' Cup

• King's Cup

Answer explanation

This trophy is known as the Musketeers' Cup in honor of the four Frenchmen who succeeded in ending the American domination of the Davis Cup in 1927. René Lacoste, Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon and Henri Cochet were the protagonists of the golden age of French tennis. The four players won 6 Davis Cups in a row (1927-1932).

What is the only grand slam to be played on all three surfaces?

• French Open
• US Open

• Wimbledon

• Australian Open

Answer explanation

The US Open is the only Grand Slam that has been played on three surfaces from 1881 to 1974, the tournament was held on grass. Then, from 1975 to 1977 it was played on clay, and with the change of venue and up to the present day it is played on hard court.