This is the fourth year since the start of The Championships was moved back a week in the calendar but it is still catching by surprise those who traditionally recall Wimbledon beginning in late June, which is pretty much everyone given that was the case throughout the 20th century.
However, the shift does bring The Championships more in line with what used to be the norm in the late 19th century. Indeed, this is the third time Wimbledon has begun on 2 July, the previous occasions were in 1881, the fifth staging, and 1887, both Saturdays.
The reason for the recent move was to provide an extra week for players to prepare for the very different challenge of Wimbledon's grass courts after the clay court season. Previously there was only a fortnight between the clay swing's conclusion in Paris at Roland-Garros and the start in SW19.
The additional week has had the bonus of reinvigorating the short grass court season with events such as the Surbiton Trophy, a Challenger tournament, regaining past prominence. This year Jeremy Chardy won Surbiton, setting the Frenchman up for runs to the finals of 's-Hertogenbosch and Queen's.
Ranked No.86 before Surbiton, Chardy is now No.46 in the world and will be a dangerous floater in the main draw at Wimbledon. Former gentleman's singles champion Leyton Hewitt also added some stardust to Surbiton, making an appearance in the doubles.
The latest start for Wimbledon was 13 July in 1896, but with early Championships varying in length depending on such factors as the size of the entry, the weather, and breaks to attend the Eton v Harrow cricket match at Lord's, the latest finish was 23 July, in 1888.