"Wimbledon courts online fans with dance trends and ‘tenniscore’ style"

Wimbledon’s Shift Toward a Younger Audience

Whether it’s a clip of Novak Djokovic landing a precise backhand before stumbling or a well-known personality sharing style advice, Wimbledon’s posts across digital platforms share a common goal: reaching a new wave of tennis enthusiasts.

“It’s no mystery that Wimbledon aims to connect with younger viewers. We’re exploring ways to engage those who might not typically follow tennis,” said Will Giles, who oversees digital content for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC).

Recently, Wimbledon’s 2.9 million TikTok followers have seen videos of top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff dancing on Centre Court to *Everybody Dance Now*, as well as American actor Glen Powell intently watching a Jannik Sinner match.

Morgan Riddle, a style influencer and partner of world No. 5 Taylor Fritz, has also contributed. The 27-year-old recently appeared in a segment discussing fashion trends inspired by the tournament and its global influence.

While some longtime fans may find the approach unexpected, the official Wimbledon TikTok account has more than doubled its views and interactions compared to last year’s event. By Wednesday, it had surpassed 200 million cumulative views—a benchmark only reached later in the tournament in 2023.

“We aim to create ways for fans of all ages to connect with Wimbledon, leveraging these platforms to expand our reach,” Giles explained. “Part of the challenge is adapting Wimbledon’s traditions to fit the style of these platforms while maintaining balance.”

In addition to over 150 TikTok posts, Wimbledon has shared 200 updates on Instagram, gaining 300,000 new followers within the first week, bringing its total to 6.5 million.

The accounts also highlight memorable moments from past championships and brief interviews with players, including British No. 1 Emma Raducanu, who recently discussed the emotional appeal of American singer Olivia Rodrigo’s music.

Farzeen Ghorashy of media group Overtime, which has recently collaborated with the Association of Tennis Professionals, noted that younger audiences primarily consume sports through digital platforms. “It’s not just about shorter attention spans—it’s about where they naturally engage with content.”

He added that modern fans seek personal connections with players beyond the game itself. “Being a fan goes beyond watching matches occasionally. The narratives continue even when players aren’t on the court. Without a presence on streaming services or other media, how do you keep telling those stories?”

“Digital platforms offer a strong way to sustain that engagement when the competition isn’t active.”