Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
In the hallowed grounds of the All England Club, where tradition meets titanium racquets and strawberries and cream are a food group, Wimbledon has served up some of tennis's most unforgettable moments. Let's take a walk down memory lane and relive six times when Wimbledon had us all on the edge of our seats, but not exactly for the serve and volleys.
When Steffi Graf got a marriage proposal
Picture the scene: It's 1996, and Steffi Graf is in full flow, her ponytail swishing as she serves. Suddenly, a voice rings out from the crowd: "Steffi, will you marry me?" Now, most players might have ignored it or looked embarrassed. Not Steffi. After a brief pause, she fired back, "How much money do you have?"
John McEnroe's verbal volley
In 1981, a young John McEnroe uttered what would become one of the most famous phrases in tennis history. During his first-round match against Tom Gullikson, McEnroe disagreed with a line call, approaching the umpire with his now-iconic outburst: "You cannot be serious!" It was brash, it was bold, and it was pure, unadulterated McEnroe.
A shoulder to cry on: Jana Novotna's royal consolation prize
Jana Novotna broke down in tears on the Duchess of Kent's shoulder after losing the 1993 final to Steffi Graf in a heart-wrenching moment. Novotna had been leading 4-1 in the final set before a spectacular collapse. The Duchess's comforting embrace became an enduring image of compassion and sportsmanship, of triumph and heartbreak.
When legends stormed centre court
To mark the new millennium, Wimbledon organised a spectacular Parade of Champions. Past winners from Bjorn Borg to Martina Navratilova graced centre court once more, creating a living, breathing timeline of tennis history. It was a gooseflesh moment that celebrated the tournament's rich heritage and the legends.
Cliff Richard’s centre-court performance
Rain stopping play is as much a part of Wimbledon as strawberries and cream. But in 1996, one rain delay gave us a moment of pure, joyous silliness. As the heavens opened, none other than Sir Cliff Richard stood up in the Royal Box and started belting out his hits. Soon, the whole crowd was joining in. It was a bit daft, quintessentially British, and absolutely wonderful.
When a fan became Troicki's tactician
Viktor Troicki found himself in a spot of bother against Novak Djokovic in a delightfully bizarre moment during the 2012 edition of Wimbledon. As he pondered over how to return Djokovic's serve, a voice from the crowd shouted, "Go down the line, Viktor!" Troicki followed the advice and won the point!
