Wimbledon serving up exclusive Centre Court tickets to super-rich at £1,600 a day

Tennis fans who struggle each year to secure tickets in Wimbledon's public ballot or wait hours in the queue may be surprised to discover that almost a fifth of the seats on Centre Court are being sold to the global super-rich for £116,000 each.

- Rupert Neate

A total of 2,520 of the "debentures" are on sale, offering a reserved seat for every one of the 14 days of the tournament for five years from 202630. Applications to buy the exclusive seats close at midday today.

Despite the high price, which works out at about £1,657 for each day of tennis, All England Lawn Tennis Club officials said the number of applications had far exceeded supply.

Few newcomers are expected to be able to join the debentures club as holders have the right of first refusal. Some wealthy families have held on to the same debenture tickets - positioned on the same level as the royal box - since they were first issued in 1920.

Holders have access to the private champions' room with direct views of the outside courts and assistance from dedicated "debenture hosts".

They also have a dedicated entrance to the court and the choice of seven exclusive bars and restaurants. These include "the courtside restaurant", which has "views over Courts 16 and 17, with its signature menus designed by celebrity chefs".