Like a refined tea party, Wimbledon is the world's greatest sports event

FOR me, it’s the greatest sports event in the world. This year’s Wimbledon championships are nearing the end of a glorious first week, and I have pretty quickly fallen in love with them.

- GEOFF MAYNARD

I love most sports, football and cricket especially, but while I had taken a passing interest in key tennis matches on TV, Wimbledon had rather passed me by — until now, that is.

Having been there for most of week one as part of the hardworking Express team covering this global event, I am kicking myself for not attending sooner.

It really is Britain at its best. Packed with 148 years of history and tradition it may be, but there is technology and innovation at every turn, from tickets downloaded to your phone to the tap-and-go food and drink payment system.

The biggest plus is just being there. For a major event with 40,000 visitors each day, it is amazingly civilised and, dare I say, relaxed.

It is fairly busy walking around, but you never get that stressful, packed and jostled-about feeling when attending a feisty football match.

It’s like chalk and cheese.

'People enjoy themselves in a dignified way'

Rather than being herded around like cattle and trying to avoid those drunken footie idiots spoiling for a fight, here it is all about brilliant organisation and respect for your fellow fan.