William Renshaw

William ("Willie") Charles Renshaw (January 3, 1861 in Leamington, Warwickshire – August 12, 1904 in Swanage, Dorset) is one of the greatest British male tennis players of all time, and a candidate for the greatest tennis player of all time. The right-hander was known for his power and technical ability which put him well ahead of competition at the time.

He won a total of fourteen Wimbledon titles. Seven of those were in singles, an all-time record he now shares with Pete Sampras. The first six were all in a row, an achievement which has also never been equalled unto this day (although the five successive wins of Björn Borg and Roger Federer are considered the 'modern' record because in Renshaw's time the reigning champion had automatic entry to the final. Since 1922 they have had to play in the main draw, making such feats considerably more difficult). In the Summer months he would compete in England and Ireland, while competing on the French Riviera during the winter months. In singles play he played brother Ernest three times in the Wimbledon final, triumphing on all three occasions. The other seven titles were in doubles, partnering with his twin brother Ernest Renshaw. Additionally, he and his brother dominated the sport for many years in a time when the only other Grand Slam was the US Open, and by custom players did not travel far. In 1983, Renshaw was elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Grand Slam singles finals

Wins (7)

Year	Championship	Opponent in Final	Score in Final
1881	Wimbledon	John Hartley	6–0, 6–1, 6–1
1882	Wimbledon (2)	Ernest Renshaw	6–1, 2–6, 4–6, 6–2, 6–2
1883	Wimbledon (3)	Ernest Renshaw	2–6, 6–3, 6–3, 4–6, 6–3
1884	Wimbledon (4)	Herbert Lawford	6–0, 6–4, 9–7
1885	Wimbledon (5)	Herbert Lawford	7–5, 6–2, 4–6, 7–5
1886	Wimbledon (6)	Herbert Lawford	6–0, 5–7, 6–3, 6–4
1889	Wimbledon (7)	Ernest Renshaw	7–5, 6–2, 4–6, 7–5