Wimbledon 2026

Tennis at Wimbledon began in 1877 when the All England Croquet Club — founded in 1868 — hosted its first lawn tennis tournament to raise funds for a new pony roller. Twenty-two gentlemen players entered; Spencer Gore won the inaugural Gentlemen's Singles by defeating William Marshall. The event quickly grew in prestige.

The club, renamed the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, added the Ladies' Singles in 1884. The tournament earned its royal patronage in 1907 when King Edward VII began attending. Strawberries and cream, the royal box, all-white clothing, and Centre Court's perfectly manicured grass became the defining identity of a British summer.

The Open Era arrived in 1968, when amateurs and professionals were finally permitted to compete together. This unlocked a golden age of champions: Björn Borg won five consecutive titles (1976–80); John McEnroe's brilliance and infamy defined the 1980s; Pete Sampras won seven times (1993–2000); and Roger Federer won eight — the men's all-time record. On the women's side, Martina Navratilova's nine Wimbledon titles are the overall record for any player at a single Slam. The 2026 Championships welcome the defending champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek on grass for the first time.