Unfortunately I wasn't with press guys. Having said that, you can have a great access on any outside courts at Wimbledon (i.e. all courts except Centre, No1 & No2). You are right at the court sides, so you get as good views as the press guys. You just have to fight with the crowds! Get there early and get a good position. I had plenty of people in front of me when I took this particular shot but a few polite words will usually get you to the front to do a few shots.
As for camera and lens to the ground, there's just a restriction on the size of the bag that can be brought into the grounds (which I can't exactly remember but my Lowepro Mini Trekker was fine). But there's no problem with the size of the camera or lens.
