The tennis at Wimbledon ends on Sunday. And here's a great way to get over the post-tournament blues: buy classic Wimbledon memorabilia.
Several pieces from Wimbledon's old No. 1 court are coming to auction at Tennants Auctioneers in the UK on July 21.
The old No.1 Court had an intimate atmosphere
Up for grabs are three locker doors, signed by Wimbledon champions Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras, respectively. Each is estimated at £200 ($260).
Also on offer is a rain cover pulley system (£80) and assorted signs, seat numbers and posters.
The consignor was a carpenter at the grounds between 1990 and 2008 and took the items with the All England Club's permission.
"I am very sorry to see my collection go, but I no longer have room to house it," he says.
"I just hope that these unique items find good homes with tennis enthusiasts, who will get as much enjoyment out of them as I have."
The intimate court, with the seats close to the playing surface, was famed for its atmosphere and was popular with many players, although not all.
"My problem was always the old No 1 Court," three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker told the Independent newspaper.
"I have broken my wrist there and I had the longest matches in the tournament out there, so when they decided to put it away I was kind of glad."
It was knocked down in the 1990s to make way for media and players' facilities, with the new No.1 court opening in 1997.
"This collection is unique to the auction market, and therefore estimates are quite difficult to assess ahead of sale," the auction house's Kegan Harrison explains.
"We are hoping the sale will appeal to all tennis and sports fans, as there won't be another opportunity like this to buy a piece of Wimbledon history from this iconic court."
Click here to view our sports memorabilia for sale.
Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about sports memorabilia auctions.
