In my last weekend blog, I wrote about grass court tennis, and this week I am writing about Wimbledon, the most famous Grand Slam tournament played on the grass surface.
With the 2024 Wimbledon tournament starting next Monday, here is the list of the greatest men’s singles champions in the open era.
MEN’S SINGLES CHAMPIONS
9 Andy Murray (U K)
He won the titles in 2013, and 2016, and reached final in 2012 His heart was broken when he lost the 2012 to Roger Federer, this was his 4th defeat in as many Grand Slam finals. However he came back one year later and defeated Novak Djokovic and end 77 year wait for British men to win Wimbledon single title. He won his 2nd title in 2016 when he defeated Milos Raonic.
8 Rafael Nadal (Spain)
He won titles in 2008, and 2010, reached finals in 2006, 2007, and 2011. All though he is more famous as Clay court player, it is often forgotten that he reached the Wimbledon final five times in the space of six years during the prime of his career, winning the title on two occasion. After back-to-back losses to Federer in 2006 and 2007, he won his first title in the epic 2008 final , battling past Federer in one of the best finals the Wimbledon has ever seen. Two years later he again regained at title, beating Thomas Berdych in the final, while he again reached the final the following year.
7 Jimmy Connors (USA)
He won titles in 1974 & 1982, and reached finals in 1975, 1977-78, 1984. A pioneer of the modern game, he had consistent success at Wimbledon throughout his career. The first of his title came in 1974, where he defeated Ken Rosewell in straight sets. Eight years later he got his hands on the title for second time, downing great rival John McEnroe in the final, he reached further four finals at the Wimbledon throughout his career.
6 John McEnroe (USA)
He won titles in 1981, 1983-84, and reached finals in 1980 & 1982. One of the great grass-court player, he reached five straight finals from 1980-84. After the defeat to Bjorn Borg in the iconic 1980 final, the American gained a sense of revenge by defeating the Swede for his first title at Wimbledon. He was then beaten by Connors in 1982 final, but then easily beat Chris Lewis in 1983 and Connors in 1984 to seal back-to-back titles.
5 Boris Becker (Germany)
He won the titles in 1985-86, 1989 and reached finals in 1988, 1990-91, & 1995. Few tournaments define one player as Wimbledon defines Boris Becker, with three of his six Grand Slam titles coming at the Wimbledon. He was unseeded and only 17 years old when he overcame Kevin Curren to win his first title in 1985, and defeated Ivan Lendl in the final the following year. After defeat to Stefan Edberg in the 1988 final Becker beat Swede in a rematch to claim his final title in 1989, reaching a further three finals after that.
4 Bjorn Borg (Sweden)
He won titles from 1976-1980, and reached final in 1981. One of the most iconic players of all time, his five-year–reign at the Wimbledon is rightfully celebrated as one of the most dominant reigns in tennis history. After defeating Illie Nastase to claim his first title in 1976, the Swede beat Connors in back-to-back finals in 1977 and 1978 to make in three titles in a row. He then saw off Roscoe Tanner in 1979 final and then made in five in row with victory over McEnroe in 1980, before the American finally beat him in 1981.
3 Pete Sampras (USA)
He won the titles in 1993-95, & 1997-2000. He is the only player who has won the title every time he reached the finals. Few have dominated a Grand Slam tournament quite like him dominating Wimbledon in 1990s. He beat Jim Courier to win his first title in 1993, defeated Goran Ivanisevic in 1994, and then Becker in 1995. After a shock loss in the earlier rounds, the American rebounded in style, winning four straight titles to cement his place as an all-time-great at Wimbledon.
2 Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
He won titles in 2011, 2014-15, 2018-19, & 2021-22. (No tournament in 2020 due to Covid) and reached finals in 2013 & 2023. Impressively, he has managed to turn Wimbledon into his strongest Grand Slam event outside of the Australian Open. He won his first title be beating Nadal in 2011, and, after a final defeat in 2013, beat Federer to claim the title in both 204 and 2015. He then regained the title by beating Kevin Anderson in 2018, and proceeded to win three more titles, making it four in a row, holding onto his crown until defeat in 2023 finals by Carlos Alcaraz.
1 Roger Federer (Switzerland)
He won the titles in 2003-07, 2009, 2012 & 2019,and reached finals in 2008, 2014, 2015 & 2019. Perhaps the greatest male grass court tennis player, no player in the modern game can match Federer’s staggering haul of eight titles. The Swiss beat Mark Philippousis for his first title in 2003, and then beat Andy Roddick, and Rafael Nadal twice to make five in a row. He regained his title in 2009 by beating Roddick in an epic 2009 final, before beating Murray in 2012 and Cilic in 2017 for his final two titles-losing a further four finals outside his eight wins.
In the next weekend blog, I will write about greatest women Wimbledon champions.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
28th June 2024