Wimbledon is a tournament unlike any other, featuring top players, exciting matches and some truly iconic moments that define its rich history. As Wimbledon 2023 approaches DTB takes a look back at some of the greatest moments from this iconic tournament’s past.
Spencer Gore’s unique volleying technique impressed his opponents, who were more used to playing from the baseline.
The crowd on Centre Court
The Wimbledon Championships is one of four Grand Slam tournaments still played on grass, held each year at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. Over its long history, this iconic tournament has produced numerous iconic moments; GQ takes a look back at 10 memorable ones here.
The inaugural Championships took place in 1877 and quickly proved to be highly competitive from its inception. According to reports in Illustrated London News, initial matches were described as keenly contested with some matches going to straight sets and others ending in tie-breakers.
Wimbledon has grown increasingly popular over time, with British players dominating in its early decades, yet in the 1950s was truly transformed as milestones were reached such as moving to Church Road from Worple Road and becoming the first Grand Slam tournament ever televised. Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly won three consecutive Wimbledon singles titles only to have her career cut short due to a riding accident which ultimately ended her career; Lew Hoad marked an Australian era of dominance by winning 13 men’s singles titles during that decade!
Today’s Wimbledon Championships continues to evolve with roofs being installed over Centre Court and No. 1 courts since 2009. These additions have helped reduce rainfall impacts while improving viewing experiences for fans – but one aspect that won’t change anytime soon is its status as the only major tennis tournament still conducted entirely on grass courts.
One of the key aspects of Wimbledon for spectators is the sense of deference and optics experienced at Centre Court and other parts of the grounds, reflecting this with crowds consisting of members and their guests – often referred to by press as the ‘Royal Box’ – who include musicians such as Beyonce and Jay-Z as well as actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper among many others as well as UK politicians and athletes from other disciplines.
The Duchess of Kent
As Katharine Worsley held Jana Novotna close as tears streamed down her cheek at the conclusion of the 1993 Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles final, royalty never looked so relatable. Katharine married Edward, Duke of Kent in 1961 and became a working royal until the early 1990s, when she slowly withdrew from public life by teaching music as primary school teacher known as Mrs Kent – although no one bothered her at that point! Her Royal Highness status continued up until 2002 before retiring official duties altogether but she still periodically presents prizes at Wimbledon awards events until 2002! On 1 June 2023 she made an appearance at St James Palace celebrating Future Talent, youth music charity she founded, with whom she made rare appearance to celebrate Future Talent which she founded!
At the inaugural championship of Wimbledon Tennis Club in 1877, only amateurs were permitted to compete. “Amateur” then meant someone who participated for enjoyment rather than money or glory; this term was valued by elite country club owners until 1968 when Wimbledon allowed professionals who received payment for their skills to join and open up competition, marking a new era for tennis as an open sport.
Today, 128 players compete in the Gentlemen’s Singles event; 64 pairs participate in Ladies Doubles while 48 couples form Mixed Doubles teams. Winners in these competitions receive ornate gilt cups while runners up receive silver cups.
At Wimbledon, the history is filled with unforgettable moments that have marked its history. Maureen “little Mo” Connolly won three consecutive Wimbledon titles and Althea Gibson became the first black woman ever to do so before Lew Hoad reigned with gentleman’s hegemony for an era – all testament to its rich tradition of legendary performances at this tournament.
But Wimbledon’s history also tells a tale of an institution slowly adapting to changing times and trends. Although its traditions remain an integral part of the festival, Wimbledon continues to adapt as it becomes an international event – hopefully for years to come!
Jana Novotna’s tearful hug
Jana Novotna made history when she faltered and lost the lead against Steffi Graf in 1993 ladies’ final. Visibly struggling against Graf, at trophy presentation the Duchess of Kent offered comfort by offering Jana an emotional support network – this will long remain remembered in tennis circles.
It was an unceremonious end for an amateur sport which, until 1968, had only allowed top amateur players to win Wimbledon titles. Now professional players had equal access to compete.
While Wimbledon Championships was an annual sporting highlight, not everyone could access them. Tickets were typically reserved for members of the All England Club and wealthy benefactors – however in 1940s Hans Redl advanced to the fourth round in men’s singles tournament and won his debut match after having lost his left arm during World War II; special dispensation allowed him to touch twice every time he served. Redl continued playing until 1956!
ABC’s Wide World of Sports first broadcast the tournament in the 1960s; after being granted broadcast rights by NBC in 1969, they began showing taped highlights from the Gentlemen’s Singles Final every Saturday evening before switching over to live coverage every Sunday morning introduced by Bud Collins, a veteran sportscaster known for his signature patterned trousers and expert tennis commentary.
Novotna made history when she won her maiden Grand Slam championship by beating Nathalie Tauziat in straight sets for her maiden victory, making history at 29 years old – making history on women’s tennis! This victory cemented Novotna as an unstoppable force.
Novotna was an inspiration to women’s tennis players everywhere and will be dearly missed by her community and will no doubt remain so long after her passing in 2019. She left an immeasurable mark upon the game as an icon and role model; Novotna will always remain remembered fondly as part of its heritage.
The first-ever women’s final
Wimbledon is famed for its longstanding traditions, yet tennis remains its centerpiece. Since 1877 and until today’s final, Wimbledon has been an unforgettable event.
It stands out from other Grand Slam tournaments with its all-white attire, royal box seating arrangement, and strict night curfew regulations – hallmarks of tradition that pay homage to some of tennis’ greatest athletes. But more than that – the tournament serves as a platform to honor them!
Wimbledon stands out for its long history of breaking gender and race barriers. When Suzanne Lenglen won the women’s singles at Wimbledon in 1925 it was considered an incredible accomplishment – she defeated Elsie Ryan, Winifred Beamish, Kitty McKane and Joan Fry in four straight sets with 48 minutes to spare!
Lenglen’s triumph was more than simply impressive tennis skills; it also represented an important political statement by beating American player Jimmy Connors, an expert player renowned for championing his right to get paid for his talent.
In 1947 Hans Redl advanced to the fourth round of men’s singles at Wimbledon – an accomplishment which would normally not warrant much notice at other Grand Slam tournaments but which took on added significance here due to his military-related injuries sustained during World War II and posthumously receiving special permission to touch the ball twice before hitting it, so as to prevent him having to hit overhand as would have been necessary before this concession was granted.
One of the most iconic moments from Wimbledon was Jana Novotna’s loss in 1993 final. While her comeback against Steffi Graff was undeniable, what really made the momentous was when after shaking hands with the Duchess of Kent Jana couldn’t control her emotions and laid her head against her shoulder to receive comforting words from Royal.