But tennis fans who let their forehand get away from them will not have to pay the price unless they have accidental damage cover included in their home insurance policy, Halifax suggests.

Tennis-related injuries to the home resulted in a 34 per cent rise in home insurance claims at Halifax in June last year, compared to January, for things like broken windows, and other accidental damage to glass.

Since it began in 1877, now reaching more than 1.8 million fans who watch it on television, Wimbledon has increasingly encouraged tennis fans to pick up a racket and have a go, but Halifax’s statistics show that accidents do happen, and could get expensive without home insurance that includes cover for accidental damage.

David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax home insurance, said: “During the summer months we often notice an increase in claims for broken windows and other accidental breakages.

“We’d advise any budding Murrays and Sharapovas to take care when playing ball sports close to home, and check they are insured for accidental damage should a mishap occur.”

© Fair Investment Company Ltd