HSBC's "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" Quiz

Answer: 2002-03

After having to withdraw from the 2002 Australian Open due to injury, Serena returned to win the remaining three grand slams that year: the French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S Open that same year. Along the way she defeated her sister Venus, in all three Grand Slam finals and obtained her first ever no.1 ranking. Serena was only the second African-American woman (after sister, Venus) to hold this accolade of world number 1. Serena then won the 2003 Australian Open, meaning she had won 4 consecutive grand slam titles (aka held all four titles simultaneously). As these 4 were not won in the same calendar year, Serena was not credited as winning a "Grand Slam". However, Serena claimed that in her achievements, she had won a "Serena Slam".
Along with her older sister, Venus, Serena dominated women's tennis at the start of the 21st century. Whereas Venus seems to be more of a grass court specialist (she won her 5th Wimbledon singles title in 2008), Serena appears to be more of an all-rounder, amassing Grand Slam singles titles on all four surfaces.
Both Williams sisters are also noted for the low number of tournaments they play in between slams (particularly from 2007 onwards). This may be due to pre-existing injuries, but the result often sees a Venus and a Serena who is far more rested and fresh than their opponents. This is, perhaps, the secret to their longevity?

Answer: Bjorn Borg

In the late 70s and early 80s, it can be argued strongly that McEnroe would have won many more titles if it were not for the other exceptional players of the time. McEnroe's run of titles lasted from 1979 to 1984. In these 5 short years he had collected a stunning 7 Grand Slam singles titles, his most successful tournament being the U.S Open (where he won 4 titles; 1979-80-81 and 1984).
Nevertheless, McEnroe is well-remembered at Wimbledon, not only for his victories, but also for his intense rivalries with Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg. The 1980 final between Borg and McEnroe, which many hold as the greatest ever Wimbledon final, was to be Borg's fifth and final Wimbledon title. The significance of this encounter is that Borg admitted afterwards that this was the first time he feared he was going to lose, and that he recognised that his dominance in men's tennis was beginning to wane.
McEnroe continued as a tennis commentator and mentor to the U.S Davis Cup team (which is captained by his younger brother, Patrick). He has also become a minor celebrity off-court, having cameo appearances in films such as "Mr. Deeds".

Answer: Suzanne Lenglen

Many now recognise Lenglen as one of the leaders of women's tennis, and a significant reason for its popularity today. Before Lenglen, few were interested in watching woman's tennis. However, her lively character and sometimes controversial ways attracted many to the court.
One thing which perhaps impeded Lenglen's success (in terms of numbers of Grand Slam titles) was the First World War. From 1915-18, no Wimbledon championships were held, and therefore no opportunities for Lenglen to show her skill. She did, however, win 6 of the 7 Wimbledon tournaments held following the Great War.

Answer: Rocket

As my dad always says, "When in doubt, go for the alliteration". Yes, "Rocket" Rod Laver used his subtle wrist and shoulder actions to generate maximum power on his ground strokes, along with his quickness around the court to reach almost every ball. Laver was a left-handed player and could create much topspin on his shots, both of which contributed to the uneasiness felt by his opponents during play. Laver's dominance of the game is shown by the fact that he was ranked no.1 for 7 consecutive years (1964-70).

He has also achieved a Grand Slam (all 4 Grand Slam titles in the same calendar year), twice!

Answer: Victory belongs to the most persevering

"Victory belongs to the most persevering," was actually said by Napoleon.
Another famous quote from King states that, "I have a lot to say, and if I'm not No. 1, I can't say it." This was perhaps more true when it was said than what it is now. However, King did both become world no.1 and made her voice well heard. King seems to have changed the face of women's tennis more than any other female player.
An example of how King changed women's tennis was in the "Battle of the Sexes" in 1973. This was essentially a chance to gain publicity for the former Wimbledon champion, Bobby Riggs, who often criticised the women's game, calling it "inferior". However, King adapted her game and managed to defeat Riggs, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
King won all 4 Grand Slam tournaments during her career, her most successful tournament being Wimbledon, where she won 6 singles titles (1966-67-68 and 1972-73-75). Her amazing success on the court was, of course, partly due to her tennis talent, but also her mental strength.

Answer: Pete Sampras

Often regarded as the greatest ever male tennis player, Sampras won the majority of his major titles in the 1990s. Although performing well in all Grand Slam tournaments (winning all apart from the French Open), his most successful competition was Wimbledon, where he won a stunning 7 singles titles.

He won every year from, 1993 to 2000, except for 1996. Sampras is still held by most as one of this tournament's greatest champions. He hadn't returned to Wimbledon since his retirement until 2009, the year which saw Roger Federer claim his 15th major title, surpassing the record of 14 set by Sampras.

As well as Ken Rosewall, Sampras is the only male player to win Grand Slam singles titles in his teens, his 20s and his 30s.

Answer: 1994

Surprisingly, Graf lost in her first round match against Lori McNeil in the 1994 Wimbledon championships. However, she recovered well, winning the title in both 1995 and 1996. Her 7 Wimbledon singles titles (1988 to 1996 inclusive, except for 1990 and 1994) contributed to her incredible 22 major singles titles won during her illustrious career.
As well as excelling on the grass courts, Graf won all three other major titles (Australian, French and U.S Opens). In 1988, she won a Grand Slam (all 4 major titles in the same calendar year). In addition to this, she also won gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, in what the media called her "Golden Slam".
Graf later married fellow tennis star Andre Agassi, a decorated player in his own right. They often visit Grand Slam tournaments and show support for current players. In 2009, they played an exhibition mixed doubles match against Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters at Wimbledon, to celebrate the installment of the roof over centre court. Graf and husband, Agassi, lost the mixed doubles match, which proved to be played with great spirit and was very entertaining.

Answer: Ice Man

Borg's 5 consecutive Wimbledon singles titles is a truly spectacular record. Many have tried to beat it, but none, by 2009, have succeeded. Roger Federer came close, but was edged out by Rafael Nadal in 2008.
Borg also holds the unique distinction of winning the French Open and Wimbledon singles titles in the same calendar year three times! Indeed, the clay courts of Roland Garros are notoriously hard to conquer, even for the most accomplished tennis stars (e.g. Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras, both of whom won all three of the other major tournaments).
Borg won 11 of the 27 Grand Slam tournaments he entered, an amazing record. It would seem that the quality denoted by his nickname, "Ice Man", helped him with the pressures of Grand Slam finals.

Answer: 9

The status of the "greatest Wimbledon's women's champion" is a view clearly shared between the public and fellow tennis players. Bjorn Borg said, "I'd vote for Martina. She won nine times and she had a perfect grass court game. I mean she was unbelievable on the grass.

Her record speaks for itself." (Taken from an interview on the official Wimbledon site). Also, Billie Jean King referred to Navratilova as, "the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who's ever lived." The record referred to by Borg is an impressive 20 Wimbledon titles, a record shared with Billie Jean King.

She has won all major tournaments at least twice and set a record for most career singles titles (167). With so many accolades to her name, it seems Navratilova was a wise choice as the "greatest Wimbledon's women's champion".

Answer: Wimbledon

Federer's first Grand Slam victory came in 2003, where he beat the Australian, Mark Philippoussis. This began a string of success for the Swiss, whose win at Wimbledon in 2009 was his 15th grand slam title, a new record for major wins in tennis, surpassing the previous record held by Pete Sampras.
Federer is also noted for his consistency, appearing in 20 of the 25 Grand Slam finals from Wimbledon 2004 to Wimbledon 2009. In 2009, he also achieved the career Grand Slam (winning all 4 Grand Slam tournaments in his career), by winning his first French Open title (of which he had been a runner-up for the previous 3 years).
Federer has been praised for all aspects of his game, together making him possibly the most "complete" player ever on court. His serve incorporates power, accuracy and variety, his footwork is immaculate and he uses subtle wrist actions (much like Rod Laver) to generate unexpected power on his fore-hand.