It's official - male tennis aces are far more preoccupied with their barnets than women.

It may be down to the spotlight on their matches or simply a practicality.

Either way three-quarters of clients to the in-house salon are male, according to Wimbledon’s in-house hairdresser.

Suzanne Strong, 57, has spent the last 26 years styling and trimming at the All England Club.

The hairdresser, born and bred in Brighton, counts British teen sensation Laura Robson and world number one Novak Djokovic among her recent visitors.

Ms Strong, who usually works from home in Henfield, said: “Women don't come in as regularly as the men.

“They would come in once and that would be it.

“I would say 75% of our clients are men.

“It has always been the way here. It is what we are used to.

“Sometimes men will come in a couple of times during the tournament.”

Superstition

The hairdressers have yet to receive a visit from British number one Andy Murray.

Ms Strong said: "Djokovic comes in most years but Murray never comes in. For Djokovic to come back after two days, that is more to do with his superstition. He only ever wants a tiny bit off to keep his look consistent.”

Ms Strong has also tended to the likes of Sue Barker, Chris Evert, Virginia Wade, Martini Navratilova, Anna Kournikova, Steffi Graf and Pat Rafter.

Among the more outrageous requests was a low-ranked Russian player who asked for her hair to be dyed purple and green in keeping with Wimbledon's colours.

Mrs Strong will also braid the hair of the 30 ball girls for the annual guard of honour at the final.

The record was 37 French plaits for the ball girls in just one hour.

She said: “You often find because you’re in a bit of a vulnerable position when you’re having your hair done none of the players are divas.

“They’re really easy to get on with – it surprises us some times.”

The hairdresser used to be a tutor at the Hair and Beauty course at Northbrook College.

Despite being a keen tennis fan herself she said she has no time to watch matches.