I oversee all courts at Wimbledon. A typical workday during the Championships is 15 hours long and fueled by adrenaline.
AELTC/Charlie Raymond Kent This as-told-to essay is based on an in-person interview with Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, home of the Wimbledon tennis championships. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I've been head of courts and horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis Club for almost 10 years, and 2026 marks my 31st Wimbledon Championships. I started as a groundsman and worked my way up. My job is to maintain the grass courts year-round so they're ready for the two-week tournament. Like the players, we need the grass in perfect condition from day one. The challenge is that we're managing a living surface that changes with the environment. Most people think our busiest time is just before Wimbledon starts in June, but it's actually August and September. This is when we start preparing the courts for the following year. If we cut corners then, we'll pay for it the following year. Even when the f...
