Holding court in the turf war

Founded in 1877, Wimbledon is a defining point of the English summer, something to look forward to in the notoriously changeable season.

Along with the rain that so often plays havoc with its schedule, Wimbledon is about the faithful braving the elements to line up in queues to get in, the perennially dashed hopes for a British champion (last men's singles winner 1936, last woman 1977) and the changing of the guard on the courts.

As champions of the future emerge -- Roddick, Sharapova, Sprem, Ancic -- the kings and queens of the court today struggle to maintain power and those of yesteryear return for one last moment in the sun. For it seems only appropriate that they take their final bow on the hallowed grounds.

-- JP