Wimbledon Warns Visitors To Not Use Quiet Prayer Room For Sex

Wimbledon officials have cautioned tennis fans that silent rooms intended for prayer and meditation shouldn't be used for sex or intimacy. 

According to The Telegraph report, last year, amorous couples were reported to have been using the secluded space near Court 12 for their own personal enjoyment much to the horror of some visitors.



Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club said that "we'll be making sure that people are using it the right way."

Visitors reported people emerging from the prayer rooms, which are at the back of Court 12, with "sheepish" smiles on their faces.

Describing one couple, one spectator said: "This couple disappeared inside, locked the door and they were gone for ages. I had time to finish two Pimms while they were in there. The sign on the door said ’engaged'.

"When they came out they were laughing away to themselves. She was in a long flowing summer dress and there was no doubt as to what they had been up to."

Another visitor to last year’s event allegedly heard “sounds of intimacy” inside one of the two rooms.

Sally Bolton, the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s chief executive, says the space ought to be respected as a “sanctuary.” “It’s a really important space.” 

“So, we will be retaining it and we’ll be making sure that people are using it the right way. If people need space to go to pray, it’s the quiet space for that. There is an opportunity to breastfeed in there. But, we are looking for it to be used in the right way.”

The facility is located in the Southern Village, the quiet room is a space where guests can retreat for a moment of private meditation, prayer or reflection or simply to escape the crowds around the grounds, according to the official access guide for 2023.

The room has two armchairs, a foldaway table and charging facilities.

Meanwhile, Wimbledon 2023 opened with Men's defending champion Novak Djokovic beating Pedro Cachin on Monday.

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