Every summer, Wimbledon captures the attention of tennis fans around the world. The best players on the planet compete at the most historic Grand Slam, chasing glory and a place in the sport’s immortality. But beyond the famous victories and unforgettable matches, Wimbledon also hides stories you would hardly expect, stories full of quirks, coincidences, and downright bizarre records.
From marathon matches to pink bras that broke the rules, here are some of the strangest records ever written on the legendary grass of the All England Club.
1. The longest match in history
Embed from Getty ImagesIn 2010, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut made history in a match that lasted a total of 11 hours and 5 minutes, spread over three days. The fifth set ended 70-68 in favor of Isner. That match alone produced several records:
- Most games in a single set (138)
- Most games in a match (183)
- Most aces by one player in a match (113 by Isner)
2. The shortest final
In 1983, Jimmy Connors defeated Chris Lewis 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in just 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it the shortest men’s final of the Open Era. A title won almost without breaking a sweat.
3. When bra color became an issue
Wimbledon is famous for its devotion to tradition. One of its strictest and most talked-about rules is the dress code: all white clothing, even underwear. In 2013, several players were forced to change during the tournament because their underwear included colored details.
4. The oldest champion
In 1909, Arthur Gore won Wimbledon at the age of 41 years and 182 days. No one since has lifted the trophy at an older age. In an era when athletic careers rarely lasted beyond 30, his achievement remains remarkable, even more than a century later.