Novak Djokovic and Pete Sampras have achieved more than most at the All England Club.
Both players have seven Wimbledon titles to their names, with Sampras winning seven in eight years from 1993 to 2000.
Novak Djokovic would be the undisputed GOAT if he won Grand Slam number 25 – could anyone argue otherwise?
Only Roger Federer [eight] and Martina Navratilova [nine] have won more singles titles at the event.
Nearly 130 years ago, a British man became the first player to win seven singles titles at Wimbledon.
Meet William Renshaw
William Renshaw won his first Wimbledon title in 1881.
The British star [pictured below], born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, defeated compatriot John Hartley 6–0, 6–1, 6–1 in the final.
Renshaw went on to win six consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1881 to 1886.
In 1887, the six-time defending champion was unable to defend his title due to tennis elbow.
The 1887 title was won by Herbert Lawford, who defeated William Renshaw’s twin brother – Ernest – in the final.
Renshaw claimed his seventh and final Wimbledon title in 1889, beating his brother 6–4, 6–1, 3–6, 6–0 in the final.
Renshaw also reached the final in 1890, but was defeated by Willoughby Hamilton, 6–8, 6–2, 3–6, 6–1, 6–1
| Year | Opponent | Score |
| 1881 | John Hartley | 6–0, 6–1, 6–1 |
| 1882 | Ernest Renshaw | 6–1, 2–6, 4–6, 6–2, 6–2 |
| 1883 | Ernest Renshaw | 2–6, 6–3, 6–3, 4–6, 6–3 |
| 1884 | Herbert Lawford | 6–0, 6–4, 9–7 |
| 1885 | Herbert Lawford | 7–5, 6–2, 4–6, 7–5 |
| 1886 | Herbert Lawford | 6–0, 5–7, 6–3, 6–4 |
| 1889 | Ernest Renshaw | 6–4, 6–1, 3–6, 6–0 |
William Renshaw’s other Wimbledon titles
Renshaw also won five Wimbledon doubles titles alongside his brother, Ernest.
William and Ernest won five titles in six years – the last being in 1889.
In 1888 William became the first president of the Lawn Tennis Association.
The Briton passed away 16 years later at the age of 43 in Swanage, Dorset.
A street in Swanage was named after William and Ernest Renshaw in 2020.
