Top Ten Most Dramatic Moments of Wimbledon 2023
Wimbledon
July 18, 2023
Top ten verdicts are always fun – and they often spark interesting debate!
Here’s our countdown – in reverse order – of the most dramatic moments from Wimbledon 2023.
Feel free to disagree, because these lists are always subjective. We know you’ll have your own personal favourites.
10. Andy Murray Leads Stefanos Tsitsipas Overnight.
For a few wonderful hours, the dream of a third Wimbledon title for Andy Murray was on. He led high-flying Tsitsipas 2-1 in sets overnight. Then the god-like Greek woke up – and took that dream away. It was powerful stuff on Centre Court…and could prove to be Andy’s last big Wimbledon moment.
9. Mirra Andreeva In Teenage Meltdown.
At the age of 16, Mirra Andreeva had captured the imagination with her unexpectedly deep run. Then the wheels fell off after she had won the first set against Madison Keys on Court 2. Mirra’s reaction as the match slipped away reminded us just how young she is. But we reckon she’ll be back big-time.
8. Chris Eubanks Beats Stefanos Tsitsipas.
One of the great stories of Wimbledon 2023 was the surprising charge to the quarter-finals of American hope Chris Eubanks. His greatest moment was when he came from behind to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in five sets. Eventually he came unstuck against Daniil Medvedev in another five-set thriller. But what a ride!
7. Henry Searle Wins Junior Wimbledon.
This little-known British youngster won Junior Wimbledon after coming in under the radar. But when you take into account the fact that no British boy had achieved this feet since Stanley Matthews, son of the famous footballer, some 61 years earlier, you get a sense of the enormity of what just happened.
6. Neal Skupski Wins Men’s Doubles.
Neal Skupski just won three Wimbledon titles in three years! The one he really wanted this year was the men’s doubles title, to go with his previous two mixed. The Liverpudlian was aiming to become the first British man to complete that feat since the 1920s. With the help of partner Wesley Koolhof, he did it!
5. Elina Svitolina Beats Viktoria Azarenka.
There was no country alongside Vika’s name, but you couldn’t escape the fact that this was essentially Ukraine against Belarus – and more than spicy given the geo-political context. Svitolina’s 11-9 tie-break victory in the third prompted a standing ovation from No1 Court – and some memorable reactions.
4. Ons Jabeur Sends Centre Court Wild.
Although it wasn’t to be for Ons in the end, we mustn’t forget the sheer magnificence of her semi-final comeback against the mighty Aryna Sabalenka. Centre Court was cheering her to the rafters – and we’re not sure even Emma Raducanu would have received a more raucous reception, had she been fit.
3. Vondrousova Wins Wimbledon.
Unseeded Marketa Vondrousova won Wimbledon against the odds – and no one could begrudge her spoiling Jabeur’s party with some scintillating tennis under pressure. But perhaps the most dramatic sight was The Princess of Wales comforting a distraught Ons in the aftermath of defeat. Beautiful to witness.
2. No1 Court Erupts At Wheelchair Tennis.
We know, we know. What on earth is this doing at number two, you ask? Because it has never happened before! There were around 10,000 people going crazy for wheelchair tennis on No1 Court as super Brits Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid reclaimed their title. They couldn’t believe the atmosphere. No one could. At WDH, we have been great supporters of wheelchair tennis over the years. And this felt historic.
1. Carlos Alcaraz Beats Novak Djokovic.
It had to be top of the list. What a final! The kid we all thought couldn’t play on grass – until this summer. “Carlitos” had to play out of his skin to beat the great Novak Djokovic – and he did just that. The first man whose name wasn’t Federer, Nadal, Djokovic or Murray to win Wimbledon since 2002. The changing of the guard. Novak’s moving speech and tears contributed to the dramatic quality of the ultimate day.
So that’s it. Our top ten, set out for you to debate or disagree with at your leisure. As you can see, Wimbledon 2023 wasn’t short of drama or landmark achievements. So many more great moments could have made our top ten – but were narrowly edged out.
Now it’s time to start thinking about Wimbledon 2024 – and all the drama and joy the next Championships will bring our lucky spectators! Will you start making your plans for the next one with us?