WIMBLEDON RELEASES ANIMATION TO CELEBRATE THE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022

THE STAGE AWAITS’– WIMBLEDON RELEASES POWERFUL ANIMATION TO CELEBRATE THE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022 AND 100 YEARS OF CENTRE COURT

The animation aims to put a spotlight on the inspiring effect of Wimbledon whilst paying homage to tennis greats of the past and present

Monday 6 June 2022, London, UK: 2022 marks a significant milestone in Wimbledon’s history, as The All England Lawn Tennis Club celebrates 100 years since the opening of the iconic Centre Court at Church Road. To highlight this landmark moment and look ahead to the next 100 years, Wimbledon has today released an inspiring animated trailer, ‘The Stage Awaits’, building anticipation for this year’s Championships.

Featuring three young Wimbledon fans who are inspired by the magnetic wonder of Centre Court, the short animation combines the thrill of tennis, the celebration of style and the awe of the Club’s Grounds – which combine to create the unique magic of Wimbledon. As the viewer follows each of the characters on their imaginative journey, we witness The Championships through their eyes, feeling the excitement that the iconic event instils in so many of us, and paying tribute to many of the stars past and present who have celebrated success at SW19.

Guided by Wimbledon’s brand essence ‘In Pursuit of Greatness’, a promise to never rest on its laurels and perpetually better itself in everything that it does, the animation aims to show how Wimbledon can inspire fans to pursue greatness in their own passions, whatever they may be.

Alongside the flagship animation, The Stage Awaits campaign will include a series of social, digital, and print executions, all designed to celebrate the centenary of this historic stadium and envisage what the next century might bring.

Alexandra Willis, Director of Communications and Marketing at Wimbledon, commented: “Our aspiration in proudly celebrating the centenary of this iconic sporting arena was not just to look back at all the champions Centre Court has crowned, but to look forward to the future, driving excitement and anticipation for this year’s Championships in particular. ‘The Stage Awaits’, brought to life through this fun and energetic animation, aims to position Centre Court as a source of inspiration, not just for tennis players, but for fans around the world, a true cathedral of dreams. And how exciting it is to imagine what the next 100 years might bring in realising those dreams.”

Rob Webster and Alexei Berwitz, Creative Directors at McCann London, said: “For one of the biggest sporting events in the calendar, Wimbledon has always been about much more than just tennis. This film is packed fuller than a strawberry punnet with all the things that make Wimbledon so special, from history and architecture to spectacular floral and fashion displays and of course Serena’s epic forehands.”

Launching on 6 June, the animation will be shown across digital, social and broadcast media channels to build excitement for The Championships 2022. Qualifying begins on Monday 20 June with the Main Draw commencing on Monday 27 June.