Australian Tennis Players at Wimbledon
Match Reviews
July 15, 2024
The Australians always bring something unique to Wimbledon – and that’s why we love them.
The brilliant Nick Kyrgios went all the way to the 2022 Wimbledon final – and was only denied glory by the great Novak Djokovic. Kyrgios is such a popular maverick that he will still be one of the hottest tickets in town if he can get fit again for Wimbledon 2025.
At Wimbledon 2024 it was his in-form compatriot Alex De Minaur who was due to play Djokovic in the quarter-finals. But sadly Alex had to withdraw due to a hip injury before they could meet.
Australia did have representation in one final at the last Championships, though. Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson made it to the men’s doubles showpiece. They were only edged out on Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court by home-grown Henry Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara after three thrilling tie-breaks.
We expect to see Australians involved at the business end of Wimbledon 2025 too. And there was a time when you almost had to be Australian to win Wimbledon…
Between 1956 and 1971, Aussies won the men’s title 13 times in 16 years. Lew Hoad, Ashley Cooper, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and John Newcombe were the heroes of that era.
The dignified Laver – four times a winner in the 1960s – has been a regular visitor to Wimbledon this century, too.
Margaret Court won the title three times between 1963 and 1970. Evonne Goolagong beat her to capture all our hearts the following year. So, Barty’s 2021 Wimbledon triumph – on the 50th anniversary of the inspirational Goolagong’s first title here – was perfect timing. ‘I hope I made Evonne proud,’ Ash said movingly.
Aussie men have sometimes pushed boundaries in spellbinding ways – and not just the controversial Kyrgios. Back in 1987, Pat Cash produced one of the most memorable moments in Wimbledon history with his rock-star celebration after winning the title. He clambered over the roof of the commentators’ box and climbed up into the stands to reach
his nearest and dearest. This was unheard of at the time. But Ash Barty did her best to copy that celebration when she won Wimbledon in 2021.
Lleyton Hewitt, 2002 champion, brought with him the Australian Fanatics, their fun-filled chanting a counter-balance to English formality.
Yes, that Aussie spirit always brings something extra to Wimbledon. Maybe that’s why Australians are always made to feel so welcome.
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