An insider's guide to Wimbledon

The player perks
Not only do players earn prize money for the tournament, but in 2003, they also received £165 a day to help with accommodation and travel, plus £20 per diem meal vouchers. Players also get a goody bag, which includes tickets for a West End show, Wimbledon tickets for friends and a chauffeur-driven car for the tournament. It's a hard-knock life.

Apres-tennis
Even after the last match of the day, the fun is not over. Walk up the hill to Wimbledon Village for a drink at the Dog and Fox, or a meal at one of the many restaurants. Most of the players rent houses in the vicinity, which means you can spot athletes, soak up your surroundings and finish the day in style.

What can I watch at Wimbledon?

• Gentlemen's Singles (128 players)
• Gentlemen's Doubles (64 pairs)
• Ladies' Singles (128 players)
• Ladies' Doubles (64 pairs)
• Mixed Doubles (48 pairs)
• Junior Boys and Girls Singles (64 players)
• Junior Boys and Girls Doubles (32 pairs)
• 35 & over Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles (16 pairs)
• 45 & over Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles (16 pairs)
• 35 & over Ladies' Doubles Invitation (8 pairs)
• Gentlemen's Wheelchair Doubles (4 pairs)

The links and facts

• Official Wimbledon website: www.wimbledon.org
• More information on Wimbledon on iVillage
• Radio Wimbledon, 87.7FM, runs round-ups of the action and reaches a four-mile radius
• Expotel Hotel Reservations. Telephone: 020 7372 2001