123 Years of Love: The Enduring Story Behind Wimbledon’s Oldest Partnership

As the world’s most iconic tennis tournament returns to SW19, one constant remains as familiar as the strawberries and cream – the unmistakable Slazenger ball. Now in its 123rd year as the Official Ball of The Championships, Wimbledon, Slazenger is marking the occasion not with fanfare, but with a powerful message: ‘One Love’.

The campaign celebrates more than a century of shared values between Wimbledon and Slazenger, from unmatched sporting performance to a deep-rooted commitment to community and accessibility. It’s a story that began in 1902, now widely recognised as the longest partnership in sporting history.

“We are very proud of our 123-year relationship with Slazenger. Both Wimbledon and Slazenger are committed to respecting our heritage, but ready to embrace innovation to stay at the pinnacle of sporting excellence,” says Usama Al-Qassab, Marketing & Commercial Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. “On the eve of the 138th Championships, we are excited to see another chapter written in this extraordinary partnership.”

Slazenger’s new ‘One Love’ campaign serves as a love letter to tennis – past, present, and future, aiming to inspire every player, from grassroots courts to the Grand Slam stage. With a focus on performance, inclusion and longevity, the campaign extends beyond the court, making appearances across London with bold window and screen takeovers at Sports Direct’s flagship Oxford Street store and at Lilywhites in Piccadilly, running until 18th July.

“Together, both Slazenger and Wimbledon represent the very best of British sporting heritage,” explains Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, which owns the Slazenger brand. “At Frasers Group, we’re proud to be the stewards of this legacy and to continue offering the very best selection of brands, products and experiences for our customers – in tennis and beyond.”

As part of ongoing sustainability efforts, Slazenger will once again sell used balls from the Championships, with proceeds going to the  Wimbledon Foundation and a number of local charities. It’s another gesture that reinforces the community spirit behind the ‘One Love’ message, showing that even the most elite traditions can still serve the grassroots.

As the drama unfolds once more on Centre Court, it’s not just the players making history. The humble tennis ball, bearing the Slazenger logo, continues its remarkable journey, quietly bouncing through decades of sporting greatness.