A member of the Wimbledon ground staff monitors one of the test areas on Centre Court.
(CNN) -- While the likes of Roger Federer and Serena Williams strut their stuff at Wimbledon, spare a thought for the grass under their feet -- which will take a double pounding in the next two months.
Just 20 days after the men's final at the All England Club, the tennis competition at the 2012 London Olympics will begin -- and the team working on the famous courts are keeping their fingers crossed that this week's inclement weather does not cause any further delays.
Andy Newell from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) gives Wimbledon head groundsman Eddie Seaward and his staff expert scientific advice on that preparation and admits that any delay into a third week would be a serious problem.
"They don't want to lose time because they are already on such a fine edge and even a day would mean you lose 5% of your preparation, and that could be crucial," he told CNN.
Ten of Wimbledon's courts will be used for the Olympics and it's going to prove Seaward's biggest challenge -- coming in his final year in the job, after more than two decades of involvement.
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Great detail is taken as grounds crews prepare Centre Court for Sunday's historic match between Roger Federer and Andy Murray in the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. Federer is seeking to tie the record for most men's singles titles at Wimbledon, and Murray is shooting to become the first British male to win his nation's major singles championship in 76 years. See the action as it unfolds here, and visit CNN.com/tennis for complete coverage.
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Preparation is the key, and the London Olympic Organizing Committee (LOCOG) insisted on a trial run at Wimbledon after the Games were awarded to the UK capital.
Trial run
"We worked on them just a couple of years ago to prove to LOCOG that we could do that within a short period of time, get the courts back in pristine condition," Seaward told CNN.
But trial run or not, it's still a daunting prospect with little room for error. The grass must be cut to an exact 8 millimeters for optimum performance, and Seaward and his team have to keep a wary eye on that unpredictable British weather -- ground temperature and humidity levels are constantly measured.
For this reason, the expertise of scientists and agronomists is so important.
STRI has been advising Wimbledon for over a decade. At its main testing center in a little corner of West Yorkshire, in northern England, its staff have recreated their own versions of Centre Court -- trialing different varieties of grass to provide the best and most resilient surface.
"We can test the grasses that they may use in the future here, " said Newell, STRI's head of turf grass biology.
"We can whittle them down, we can get rid of the chaff, hopefully keep the wheat for them."
Best grass
Over the years, Newell and his colleagues have come to the conclusion that perennial ryegrass provides the best surface, both in terms of wear and playing characteristics.
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"In essence we've moved from one grass species which was inappropriate for Wimbledon, to one which was the best for Wimbledon," says STRI chief executive Gordon McKillop.
The company has grown to employ up to 85 people, and Wimbledon forms just part of their work.
The cricket pitches at Lord's, the fairways and greens of St. Andrews, the home of golf, and the football turf for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine have all had their grass tried and tested at STRI's research center in Bingley.
When the pitch at the Euro 2012 game between France and the Ukraine dramatically flooded, experts from STRI were on hand to monitor its drying out.
They had advised using a vacuum pump system when the Donbass Arena in Donetsk was constructed, and it paid off.
Weather gods
The team working on Wimbledon and the Olympics had been keeping their fingers crossed for the perfect growing conditions at SW19 in July and August.
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"Two weeks of wall-to-wall sunshine, not unbearably hot, with the odd contrast in conditions, perhaps a bit of rain, would make our job much easier," said Newell.
But true to form the British weather has misbehaved during the championships and the inevitable rain delays have left organizers with more than a few headaches.
For Newell the effect of such a varied climate on growing conditions is the bread and butter of his work.
He has installed micro weather stations at Wimbledon to aid his research, as well as digging a small hole on Centre Court to measure moisture levels.
"It's quite an important hole because it allows me to measure how much moisture there is at different depths," Newell said.
"Moisture is needed for the grass to grow, but it's also needed in the sense that we've got to dry it out to get the ball to bounce."
Surprise tactic
The playing characteristics of the courts at Wimbledon have been the subject of debate and no little controversy over the years, with claims it now favors baseline play rather than classic serve and volley.
Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Novak Djokovic of Serbia will be hoping to defend their Wimbledon titles in July -- earning a 4.5% increase in prize money if they do. Singles champions will now receive £1.15 millon ($1.85 million).
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Newell said the trend was more to do with the strength of the players, their rackets and the balls that are being used, rather than the surfaces being prepared.
"Players now use serve and volley as a surprise tactic rather than the norm," he said.
During Seaward's time at the All England Club, he has seen that change of tactics reflected on the worn parts of his courts.
"When I first started here, the players used to serve and run in to return the ball, they used to check and stop and wear the grass out and there's a patch in the middle there. That slowly but surely moved further back every year, until it's completely disappeared," he said.
Without the likes of Boris Becker and Pete Sampras charging forward to scuff up the grass in the middle of the court, the task of the groundsman has become rather easier, particularly with the tight Olympic deadline in mind.
Seaward and his team will begin their Olympic work even while play is still taking place on the show courts.
"We know the baseline is more worn than the rest of it, but by the time you get a bit of water on it, it starts to green up a bit," he said.
Nature's way
The secret is using pre-germinated, or pre-grown seed, which is sowed into the worn patches.
"We've got to try to get some grass back in there, in a very short space of time," Seaward said.
"Within a few days it will be up, hopefully, and we'll be preparing the courts."
And bearing this in mind, there is a plus side to the constant drizzle that is coming out of the cloudy skies of London in what has proved a pretty miserable summer.
"For growing grass, rain is a bonus," said Newell, adding that water from the sky falls more evenly than that supplied by artificial sprinklers.
Newell believes that the soil texture underneath the grass is just as important in determining the playing characteristics, but knows that when hosting the biggest sports show on earth, aesthetics are important.
"The idea is that we get the court to look the way it's going to look on the opening Monday of Wimbledon."
But he warned: "It all comes back to nature, and nature can't be rushed."
If the joint efforts of all those involved are ultimately successful, perhaps the International Olympic Committee could award a special gold medal to Seaward and his extended team -- because working around the clock, they may well have deserved it.
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Wimbledon head groundsman Eddie Seaward will retire after overseeing the preparation of the courts for both the third grand slam of the tennis year and the London 2012 Olympics.
This view of the 2006 women's singles final at Wimbledon between Amelie Mauresmo and Justin Henin gives a clear indication of the areas of Centre Court which take the most punishment.
West Yorkshire provides a picturesque setting for the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) headquarters where many of the world's sports pitches are developed.
Staff at the STRI in Bingley make full use of their state-of-the-art laboratory.
STRI staff test various surfaces for wear and playing characteristics.
The flooded pitch at the Donbass Arena for the Euro 2012 group game between France and the Ukraine quickly dried. STRI advised on the playing surface and drainage system.
Wimbledon ground staff conduct a test to determine how the ball is bouncing on a court.
STRI staff use their facility to replicate the grass on Wimbledon's Centre Court and other sporting venues such as horse racing's Royal Ascot and Lord's cricket ground.
Scientists at STRI continue to test varieties of grass to determine the most appropriate for different sports.
Sisters Serena and Venus Williams of the United States celebrate following their win against Czech Republic's Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in the women's doubles final on Saturday.
Czech Republic's Lucie Hradecka crouches as Andrea Hlavackova serves during their women's doubles final match against Venus and Serena Williams.
Serena Williams hits a volley during women's doubles final.
Britain's Jonathan Marray and Denmark's Frederik Nielsen celebrate championship point during the men's doubles final. Marray is the first Briton since 1936 to win a men's doubles title at Wimbledon since 1936.
Jonathan Marray of Great Britain reaches for a shot during his men's doubles final victory.
Britain's Jonathan Marray celebrates a point during the men's doubles final match at Wimbledon on Saturday, July 7. Marray was teamed with Denmark's Frederik Nielsen against Romania's Horia Tecau and Sweden's Robert Lindstedt.
U.S. player Serena Williams rushes through the stands to celebrate with her family after winning the women's singles final, her fifth Wimbledon championship, on Saturday.
Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska reacts during her finals match against Serena Williams on Saturday.
U.S. player Serena Williams swings the racket during her match against Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska on Saturday.
The crowd looks on Saturday at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Canada's Eugenie Bouchard hits the ball in the girls' singles final against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on Saturday.
Britain's Andy Murray celebrates his victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the men's singles final.
A groundskeeper prepares the grass on Centre Court on Friday.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga serves the ball during his Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match against Andy Murray of Great Britain.
Umpire James Keothavong looks on as Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Roger Federer of Switzerland take a break during their Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match on Friday, July 6, in London, day 11 of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic reacts during his men's singles semifinal match Friday against Roger Federer.
A crowd tries to shelter itself from the rain Friday on day 11 of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
Roger Federer hits a forehand return during his Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match against Novak Djokovic on Friday.
Novak Djokovic buries his head in his towel during a break between games against Roger Federer on Friday.
A crowd endures the rain Friday on Murray Mount.
Roger Federer plays a shot during his men's singles semifinal match against Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic serves the ball during his Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match against Roger Federer.
Serena Williams takes a forehand shot during her women's singles semifinal match against Belarus' Victoria Azarenka on day 10 of Wimbledon.
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka takes a hard shot during her women's singles semi-final defeat by U.S. player Serena Williams on Thursday.
Spectators relax in the afternoon sun on Henman Hill (aka Murray Mound) on Thursday.
Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her women's singles semi-final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Thursday.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays hard during her women's singles semi-final match against Serena Williams of the United States on Thursday.
Spectators follow the day's matches on the big screen in the afternoon sun on Murray Mound on Thursday.
Colin Fleming of Great Britain runs to keep the ball in bounds while playig with Su-Wei Hsieh of Taipei during their mixed doubles third-round match against Laura Robson and Dominic Inglot of Great Britain on Thursday.
Serena Williams, top, and Venus Williams of the United States team up in their women's doubles quarter-final match against Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears of the United States on Thursday.
A security guard waits on center court on Thursday.
Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska embraces Germany's Angelique Kerber, left, after her women's singles semi-final victory on Thursday.
Angelique Kerber of Germany serves during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on Thursday.
Kerber buries her head in her towel during a break between games in her Ladies' Singles semifinal defeat to Radwanska.
Radwanska celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Kerber on Thursday.
Kerber plays a backhand shot during her Ladies' Singles semifinal defeat to Radwanska.
Radwanska returns a shot during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Kerber.
Radwanska celebrates match point during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Kerber.
Kerber returns a shot during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Radwanska.
U.S. player Serena Williams plays a shot Thursday during her women's singles semifinal match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
Britain's Andy Murray celebrates his men's singles quarter-final victory over Spain's David Ferrer on Day Nine of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Wednesday in London, England.
Britain's Andy Murray waits on his chair as spectators seek shelter from the rain during his men's singles quarter-final match against Spain's David Ferrer on Wednesday.
Murray hits during his quarter final match against Ferrer.
Ferrer plays a forehand shot during his men's singles quarter-final match against Murray on Wednesday.
Murray ponders between games during his men's singles quarter-final match against Ferrer.
Cedric Pioline of France plays a Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles match alongside team-mate Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia against Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis of the Netherlands on Wednesday.
American Venus Williams confers with sister Serena, right, during their third round women's doubles match against American Bethanie Mattek-Sands and India's Sania Mirza on Wednesday.
Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia and team-mate Cedric Pioline of France play against Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis of the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a Gentlemen's Singles quarter final match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia on Wednesday.
Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber reacts during his men's singles quarter-final match against France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bites his racket during his men's singles quarter-final match against Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber on Wednesday.
Tsonga of France serves against Kohlschreiber of Germany in this quarter final match.
Tsonga in action during his Gentlemen's Singles quarter final match against Kohlschreiber.
A general view of the crowd on Murray Mount on Day Nine of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife, Catherine, sit in the royal box Wednesday.
The crowd on Murray Mount watches the action or finds other entertainment on Day Nine of Wimbledon.
Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a forehand return during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia on Wednesday.
Russia's Mikhail Youzhny reacts during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Switzerland's Roger Federer on Wednesday.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a double-handed backhand shot during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Germany's Florian Mayer.
Mikhail Youzhny of Russia hits a backhand return during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland.
Mayer plays a double-handed backhand shot during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic reacts during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Germany's Mayer.
Florian Mayer of Germany celebrates match point during his men's singles fourth round match against Richard Gasquet of France on Day Eight of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in London on Tuesday. The grand slam event runs through July 8.
Britain's Andy Murray waves to the crowd after his fourth round men's singles victory over Croatia's Marin Cilic on Day Eight of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament.
U.S. player Brian Baker plays a forehand shot during his fourth round men's singles defeat to Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber on Day Eight of Wimbledon.
Spain's David Ferrer celebrates after his fourth round men's singles victory over Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro on Day Eight of Wimbledon.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France returns a shot during his Gentlemen's Singles fourth round match against American Mardy Fish.
Tsonga celebrates after winning his fourth round match against Fish.
Fish falls to the ground during his fourth round match against Tsonga.
American Serena Williams returns a shot during her Ladies' Singles quarterfinal match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic.
Kvitova serves during her women's singles quarter-final match against Williams.
Williams serves during her Ladies' Singles quarterfinal match against Kvitova.
Williams celebrates after beating Kvitova in the Ladies' Singles quarterfinal match.
Tsonga of France plays American Mardy Fish on Day Eight of Wimbledon.
A spectator checks for rain, as rain delays halt play at the Wimbledon championships in London on Tuesday.
Fans at center court take shelter from the rain under umbrellas during Day Eight of the tournament on Tuesday.
Ground staff workers remove covers from the grass before the start of the fourth round men's singles match between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mardy Fish of the United States on Tuesday.
Leander Paes of India plays a forehand as he and Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic play a doubles match against Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Marcelo Melo of Brazil on Tuesday.
Mardy Fish of the United States serves to France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Tuesday.
Spain's David Ferrer plays a double-handed backhand shot during his fourth round men's singles match against Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro on Tuesday.
Boxes of tennis balls used for play during the Wimbledon championships are kept in a room at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London.
Workers re-string rackets for players at Wimbledon on Tuesday.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a forehand shot during his fourth round men's singles victory over Serbia's Viktor Troicki on Day Seven of the Wimbledon championships on Monday, July 2.
A spectator walks between the outside courts during rain delays on Monday.
Spectators take shelter under umbrellas on "Murray Mount" for the match between Britain's Andy Murray and Croatia's Marin Cilic.
Viktor Troicki of Serbia slips while hitting a return shot against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Monday.
Tennis fans shield themselves from rain at Wimbledon on Monday.
Donna Vekic of Croatia takes on Christina Makarova of the United States on Monday.
Andy Murray of Great Britain returns a shot to Marin Cilic of Croatia on Monday.
Croatia's Marin Cilic reaches for a shot during his match against Britain's Andy Murray.
Sabine Lisicki of Germany reacts after beating Maria Sharapova of Russia to advance in the tournament Monday.
Top-seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia loses to Sabine Lisicki of Germany.
Rain and low temperatures set in again Monday at Wimbledon, delaying some matches and sending fans scurrying for cover.
Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Xavier Malisse of Belgium during the fourth-round match at the Wimbledon championships in London on Monday.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga attends to a line judge who was hit in the face Monday by a ball during his fourth-round men's singles match against Mardy Fish of the U.S.
Mardy Fish of USA plays a forehand shot against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Monday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia runs for a forehand return against Viktor Troicki of Serbia on Monday.
Russia's Maria Kirilenko keeps warm during a break in her match against China's Peng Shuai on Monday.
Spectators find shelter under an umbrella as they watch a match Monday.
Serena Williams of the USA hits a backhand return to Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan during their fourth-round match Monday.
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka celebrates a break point during her fourth-round match against Serbia's Ana Ivanovic on Monday.
Britain's Andy Murray celebrates taking the third set of his third-round men's singles match against Cyprus' Marcos Baghdatis on day six of Wimbledon on Saturday, June 30.
Cyprus's Marcos Baghdatis gets up after slipping during the fourth set of his third-round men's singles match against Britain's Andy Murray on Saturday.
American Andy Roddick shows his frustration during his third-round men's singles match against Spain's David Ferrer on Saturday.
Ferrer, who is ranked fifth in the world, serves to Roddick, ranked 25th.
Andy Roddick of the United States argues a call with the line judge during his third round match against David Ferrer of Spain on Saturday.
Andy Roddick of the United States blows a kiss to the crowd after being defeated by David Ferrer of Spain in a third-round match Saturday.
Serena Williams of the USA in action while playing with Venus Williams of the USA during their ladies' doubles second-round match against Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova of Russia on Saturday.
Williams in action Saturday during her third round match against Jie Zheng of China.
Williams, who hit a Wimbledon record 23 aces, celebrates match point and victory over Zheng on Saturday.
A line judge watches the action under a canopy of blue sky and puffy clouds on Saturday.
Spectators wait for the beginning of day six of Wimbledon on Saturday.
Laura Robson of Great Britain serves during a mixed doubles second-round match on Saturday. She and Dominic Inglot were paired against Jurgen Melzer of Austria and Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France serves during his match against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia on Saturday.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France take a break during his third-round singles match against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia on Saturday.
Andre Sa serves over teammate Bruno Soares in the Brazilians' third-round doubles match against Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank of Argentina on Saturday.
Sachia Vickery of the United States serves during her tirst-round girls' singles match against Ilka Csoregi of Romania on Saturday.
Laura Pigossi of Brazil makes a backhand return during her first-round match against Lana Rush of Great Britain in girls' singles on Saturday.
A spectator, Matt Griggs, right, has a Union Jack painted on his face by Kelsey Bennett, left, on 'Murray Mount' during the third-round men's singles match between Britain's Andy Murray and Cyprus' Marcos Baghdatis on Saturday.
American Sachia Vickery makes a return in her girls' singles match against Ilka Csoregi of Romania on Saturday.
A Union Jack flaps in the breeze outside the All-England Club with the spire of St. Mary's Church in the background.
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia and Julia Goerges of Germany face off on Saturday.
Julia Goerges of Germany celebrates a point Saturday during the third round women's singles match against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia.
Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic prepares to serve Saturday during her third round women's singles victory over Varvara Lepchenko of the United States.
David Goffin of Belgium reacts Saturday to losing a point during his third round men's singles match against Mardy Fish of the United States.
Fish celebrates after defeating Goffin and moving on in the Wimbledon championships.
Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium questions a call Saturday during her match against Tamira Paszek of Austria.
Marin Cilic of Croatia falls to the ground Saturday during play in his match against Sam Querrey of the United States.
Clay Crawford of Great Britain glides through the air Saturday and returns a backhand to Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan.
Francesca Schiavone of Italy plays a forehand shot to Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic on Saturday.
Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic returns a shot to Francesca Schiavone of Italy during her third round women's singles victory on Saturday.
Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates set point during his third-round singles match against Julien Benneteau of France in the Wimbledon Championships in London on Friday, June 29.
Russia's Maria Sharapova serves against Taiwan's Su-Wei Hsieh in a third-round women's singles match Friday.
Julien Benneteau serves during his third-round men's singles match against Roger Federer on Friday.
People in the Royal Box at the All-England Club take part in a "wave" on Friday.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia serves the ball during her third-round match against Sorana Cirstea of Romania on Friday.
A umpire measures the height of the net on No. 2 Court on Friday.
Maria Kirilenko celebrates her third-round singles victory over Sorana Cristea on Friday.
Florian Mayer of Germany hits a backhand return during his third-round match against Jerzy Janowicz of Poland on Friday.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek on Friday.
Stepanek reaches out to make a forehand return against Djokovic on Friday.
American Bethanie Mattek-Sands ties her hair up Friday during her match with India's Sania Mirza against France's Stephanie Foretz Gacon and Kristina Mladenovic.
American Sam Querrey celebrates his victory Friday over Canada's Milos Raonic.
Fans watch the action Friday on Court 14 as Eric Butorac of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain play Michael Llodra and Arnaud Clement of France.
Argentina's Juan Monaco falls in a match Friday against Serbia's Viktor Troicki.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic stretches to make a backhand return during Friday's match against Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic.
Umbrellas are on hand Friday during the Wimbledon Championships.
Serbia's Viktor Troicki serves to Argentina's Juan Monaco on Friday.
U.S. player Bethanie Mattek-Sands warms up before her second-round women's doubles match Friday. She and India's Sania Mirza defeated France's Stephanie Foretz Gacon and Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 6-2.
A Wimbledon tournament clock is visible through leaves Friday at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
The crowd gathers and watches from behind a fence Friday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves against the Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek on Friday.
A ball person is ready to provide a ball to the players if needed Friday.
The Czech Republic's Lukas Rosol, the 100th-ranked player, speaks to reporters Friday, a day after he upset Rafael Nadal.
Arriving early, tennis fans walk around the venue Friday.
Action is under way Friday on the fifth day of Wimbledon.
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus wipes his face during a match Thursday, June 28.
Rafael Nadal of Spain during his men's singles second-round match against Lukas Rosolon of the Czech Republic on day four of the Wimbledon championships June 28.
Germany's Bjorn Phau dives to reach the ball during his second-round men's singles match against U.S. player Andy Roddick June 28.
Tennis spectators cheer in colorful wigs June 28.
U.S. player Andy Roddick plays a backhand shot during his second-round men's singles victory over Germany's Bjorn Phau on June 28.
Belarus's Victoria Azarenka plays a double-handed backhand shot during her second-round women's singles victory over Switzerland's Romina Oprandi June 28.
A general view of a line judge on day four of Wimbledon June 28.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France celebrates winnign his men's singles second-round match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain June 28.
Canada's Milos Raonic plays a forehand shot during his second round men's singles match against U.S. player Sam Querrey June 28.
A general view of tennis spectators on day four of Wimbledon June 28.
Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a forehand shot during his second-round men's singles match against Czech Republic's Lukas Rosol June 28.
U.S. players Serena Williams, left, and Venus WIlliams in their first-round women's doubles match against Ukraine's Olga Savchuk and Serbia's Vesna Dolonc on June 28.
Jonathan Marray and Anne Keothavong of Great Britain during the mixed doubles first-round match against Paul Hanley of Australia and Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia June 28.
Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during her women's singles second-round match against Elena Baltacha of Great Britain June 28.
Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia and Paul Hanley of Australia during thier mixed doubles first-round match against Jonathan Marray and Anne Keothavong of Great Britain June 28.
Jesse Levine of the United States serves against Belgium's David Goffin on day four of the Wimbledon championships on June 28.
Andy Roddick of the United States plays a forehand shot during his second-round match against Bjorn Phau of Germany on June 28.
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns a shot to Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria on June 28.
A fan studies the scoreboard at the Wimbledon championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London June 28
Fans watch the men's singles second-round match between Andy Murray of Great Britain and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia on a large projection screen from the lawn June 28.
Andy Murray of Great Britain serves to Ivo Karlovic of Croatia on June 28.
Serena Williams of the United States reacts during a match June 28 against Melinda Czink of Hungary.
Mardy Fish of the United States reacts June 28 during his second-round match against James Ward of Great Britain.
Fans gather to enter the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London for the Wimbledon championships on June 28.
Fresh lines are painted on one of the courts at Wimbledon before the beginning of the match June 28.
Fans watch the action on June 28 in the men's doubles first-round match between Flavio Cipolla and Fabio Fognini of Italy and Bobby Reynolds of the United States and Izak Van der Merwe of South Africa.
Fans peek through a fence to catch the action June 28 at Wimbledon.
Italy's Sara Errani returns a forehand shot to Anne Keothavong of Britain on June28. Errani defeated Keothavong 6-1, 6-1.
Jamie Baker of Great Britain dives for a backhand return during his first-round match against Andy Roddick of the United States on Wednesday, June 27, at Wimbledon.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts to a service break in the third set during his second-round men's singles victory over U.S. player Ryan Harrison on June 27.
France's Nicolas Mahut towels off June 27 during his match against Colombia's Alejandro Falla.
Andy Roddick plays a forehand shot during his match against Britain's Jamie Baker on June 27.
The crowd watches day three of the Wimbledon championships June 27.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark reacts during her first-round match against Tamira Paszek of Austria on Wednesday.
Prince Charles chats with Lady Winnie Forsyth on Wednesday as Roger Federer of Switzerland plays Fabio Fognini of Italy.
Belgium's Kim Clijsters returns the ball Wednesday during her match against Czech Republic's Andrea Hlavackova.
Tamira Paszek of Austria celebrates after beating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark on Wednesday.
The crowd takes shelter from showers on day three of Wimbledon.
Tournament-goers relax in the grass Wednesday.
Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands serves during her ladies' singles second-round match against Samantha Stosur of Australia.
U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur of Australia suffers an early exit on Wednesday after being defeated by Dutch player Arantxa Rus.
Nina Bratchikova of Russia returns with a forehand during her match against Alize Cornet of France on Wednesday.
Switzerland's Roger Federer returns Fabio Fognini's serve during the gentlemen's singles second-round match on Wednesday.
Frances Alize Cornet returns the ball during her ladies' singles first-round match against Nina Bratchikova of Russia on Wednesday.
France's Jeremy Chardy serves against Juan Monaco of Argentina during a second-round match on Wednesday.
Great Britain's Heather Watson celebrates match point during her second-round match against American Jamie Lee Hampton on Wednesday.
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, right, is congratulated by Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain on Wednesday.
Italy's Fabio Fognini entertains a line judge by bouncing two balls during his second-round match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on June 27.
Wimbledon staff enjoy the match from indoors on June 27.
A wide view of courts 9, 10 and 11 on on Tuesday, June 26.
Britain's Andy Murray serves during his first-round singles victory over Russia's Nikolay Davydenko on June 26.
Court 5 umpire sitting in his chair on the second day of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament June 26.
Austria's Tamira Paszek serves during her first round women's singles match against Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki on June 26.
A general view of atmosphere on day two of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.
Andy Roddick of the USA reacts to a play during his first round match against Jamie Baker of Great Britain on June 26.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Lleyton Hewitt square off on the second day of play at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London on June 26.
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci during his men's singles first-round match on June 26.
Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic is caught in midair after serving to Uzbekistan's Akgul Amanmuradova on June 26.
Tennis fans pass the time as they wait in line for tickets outside the stadium June 26.
Serena Williams of the U.S. beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic on June 26.
Spectators wait for play to resume after Tuesday's matches were halted due to rain June 26.
Crowds stream into the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the second day of play June 26.
Dutch player Kiki Bertens returns during her ladies' singles first-round match against the Czech Lucie Safarova on June 26.
A view of court 15 during men's doubles play on day two of Wimbledon on June 26.
Tsonga, of France, celebrates after beating Australia's Hewitt during their men's first-round match June 26.
Players compete across multiple outside courts during the first day of play on Monday, June 25.
A tennis fan camps out to get a ticket to the first day of matches at Wimbledon June 25.
Venus Williams plays a shot during her first-round match against Russia's Elena Vesnina on June 25. Williams lost the match, her earliest exit from the tournament in 15 years.
A dejected Williams waves to the crowd after her first-round loss on June 25.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic fires a backhand return against Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain on June 25.
Djokovic celebrates his straight-sets victory over Ferrero June 25.
France's Michael Llodra plays a forehand shot during his first-round men's singles match against Italy's Fabio Fognini on June 25.
Russia's Maria Sharapova plays a forehand shot during her match against Australia's Anastasia Rodionova on June 25.
Rodionova chases down a shot during the match on June 25.
Sharapova celebrates her win over Rodionova June 25.
China's Li Na plays a shot during her first-round women's singles match against Kazakhstan's Ksenia Pervak on June 25. Li went on to win the match.
Fognini plays a shot against Llodra on June 25.
America's John Isner returns a shot during his men's singles first-round match against Alejandro Falla of Colombia June 25.
Russia's Maria Kirilenko plays a double-handed backhand shot during her first-round women's singles match against Romania's Alexandra Cadantu June 25. Kirilenko won the match.
Latvia's Ernests Gulbis serves to the Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych on June 25.
Gulbis beat Berdych in straight sets on June 25.
Oliver Golding of Great Britain serves against Igor Andreev of Russia on June 25 on court 2.
Heather Watson of Great Britain hits a forehand return against Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic on June 25.
Boris Becker, Wimbledon's youngest men's champion at the age of 17 in 1985, was renowned for his trademark diving volleys. The German was powerful in the serve and wonderfully athletic at the net.
Feisty New Yorker John McEnroe was not blessed with great serving power but his speed, aggression and razor-sharp reflexes enabled him to finish off many a rally with a perfectly executed volley.
Australian Ken Rosewall adopted serve and volley during his career as a way of shortening rallies and therefore boosting his longevity. It was no coincidence that he played in his last Wimbledon final at the age of 39.
Sweden's Stefan Edberg could not match the serve of his rival Becker, but his sublime volleying ability helped him to several notable wins over the German. He sometimes employed slower serves to afford himself more time to get to the net.
One of the most naturally gifted serve and volley players, Pat Rafter combined pinpoint placement with silky work at the net. The Australian twice fell short in the Wimbledon final but won two U.S. Opens in the late 1990s.
Australian legend Rod Laver, four times a Wimbledon champion during the 1960s, played serve and volley better than anyone in an era where the technique was more common.
Martina Navratilova was one of the few serve-volleyers in the women's game, and the style helped the Czech-American star win a record nine Wimbledon titles.
Big-serving Richard Krajicek's 1996 success is testament to Wimbledon's benefits for serve and volley players. The Dutchman's triumph at the All England Club was his solitary grand slam title.
Wimbledon's most successful male player, Pete Sampras, had a phenomenal all-round game, and the American's serve and volley expertise was one of his most potent weapons as he won seven titles and 14 grand slams overall.
Third seed Victoria Azarenka was the subject of taunts from fans at the Australian Open who began to mimic her unique screams during a second round win over home-crowd favorite Casey Dellacqua.
American Serena Williams has long been a leading light in women's tennis, in terms of winning tournaments and booming grunts. Whether the grunts benefit a player is the subject of some debate, but they certainly haven't hindered Williams. The 30-year-old has registered 13 grand slam triumphs.
It would appear that grunting runs in the family, with Venus Williams matching her sister Serena in terms of noise and top-level success. Venus, one year older than her sibling, has collected seven major titles.
Monica Seles was screaming her way to success long before any of today's professionals. The Yugoslavia-born American won nine grand slam titles during her 19-year ear-splitting career.
American Jimmy Connors has played more ATP Tour matches than anyone else, winning eight grand slams during a glittering 24-year career. Connors is also widely credited with introducing grunting to top-level tennis.
Rafael Nadal ruined Britain's hopes of a home finalist after defeating Andy Murray in the 2011 semis. Both were part of the "Big Four" who helped secure pay increases. Semifinalists will now take home £287,500 ($463,336) -- up 4.5%.
Jo-Wilifried Tsonga of France delivered one of the biggest upsets of the 2011 tournament, knocking out six-time champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. Quarterfinalists will now earn £145,000 ($233,720) -- an increase of 5.5%.
Russian third seed Vera Zvonareva suffered a shock third-round exit in last year's against Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova. A similar achievement this year would earn her £33,875 ($54,630) -- an increase of 13.1%.
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