FUN THINGS ABOUT TENNIS In 1999, Wimbledon was broadcast to 174 countries, with an estimated global audience of 1 billion people. In 2004, Roddick produced what was then the fastest serve in professional tennis: 249.4 km/h (155 mph) during a Davis Cup semi-final match with Vladimir Voltchkov on hard court in Charleston, South Carolina Pete Sampras, during his 14-year tour career, won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, becoming the first player to break Roy Emerson's record of 12 Slams. Boris Becker was 17 years old when he won the 1985 Championships, becoming the youngest ever winner of the gentlemen's singles title. Martina Hingis was just 13 years old when she won the junior Wimbledon title at the 1994 Championships, so becoming the youngest champion of that competition. The biggest development of tennis equipment was in the racket. In the early stages of tennis were used wooden sticks as the first tennis rackets. Over the years, the area has grown, the rackets were produced much better, applying stronger and more resistant wire, softer and more comfortable handle, and getting the new shape of the racket that improve aero-dynamics in the swing. Centre Court at Wimbledon even today does not have a retractable roof that would be used during the rain, which is a common occurrence during the tournament. For this reason matches are often interrupted. The tournament also has no floodlights for night matches which have many other tournaments so matches breaking due to the lack of natural light is another of unusual occurrences. The reason for all this: adherence to a long-standing tradition of the tournament! The first prize fund of one million U.S. dollars in the men's competition been awarded to the U.S. Open winner Andy Roddick in 2003. The prize money is not the same for women's and men's tennis players. Champions in the men's competition receive award bigger for several thousand dollars. Some players, such as Venus Williams, filed an appeal to equalizing amount. One of the greatest Wimbledon traditions is buying strawberries with whipped cream at the entrance of the field. Every year, 24 tons of Kent strawberries are ordered for the Championships at Wimbledon. One of the longest matches in tennis history happened in 2003 on Australien Open between Andy Roddick and Younes El Aynaouia. Match lasted more than five hours with the longest fifth set in tennis history. The final result in the games was 21-19! Another name for the French Open, Roland Garros, is actually the name of a French airmen who lived during World War II. His name has nothing to do with this sport, but beside that, the French took the name for the tournament in his honor. The first tennis player apeered in shorts on tennis court was Bunny Austin at Wimbledon and in 1933. Yvon Petra was the last woman champion who wore long pants on the court in 1946.