WIMBLEDON'S WALK OF SHAME...

With the world's best-loved celebration of tennis starting on Monday, SPENCER VIGNES looks back on one of SW19's forgotten controversies... the first player to be disqualified from the tournament. And their identity might just surprise you!

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T'S been an integral part of British summertime for as long as any of us can remember.

For two weeks a year, the country becomes captivated by the magic of Wimbledon - the sound of tennis balls on racquets, the glory of the Centre Court, umpires reminding the boisterous crowd "time, please" and, yes, those strawberries and cream.

The crowd's Great British hope is sure to be cheered to the rooftops, although more often than not, their run ends in traditional heartbreak. But with wildcards typically outperforming their odds on court and favourites wilting under the pressure, there's hardly ever a shortage of upsets.

Of course, there have also been moments during the tournament's 148-year existence when players have displayed their more ferocious side, and there are bound to be moments of high drama and possibly explosions of pent-up rage - this year.

Most surprisingly, one of the best-loved stars of recent times became the first player ever to be disqualified. And, no, it wasn't John McEnroe, Ilie Nastase or Nick Kyrgios - despite their occasional tantrums and meltdowns - or the occasionally volatile Serena Williams. Step forward Mr Whiter-Than-White Tim Henman! Incredible as it might sound, the first player ever to be disqualified from Wimbledon was Henman.

That's the very same Tim Henman whose clipped tones have for many years graced the BBC's television commentary from the Championships, and who now sits on the board of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, the organisation which runs the tournament.

His day of shame was Wednesday, June 28, 1995 - the place, Court 14.

In the first round of the men's doubles competition, Henman, aged 20 at the time and partnering fellow Brit Jeremy Bates, had been drawn against the American Jeff Tarango and Henrik Holm of Sweden.