The annual hunt to become the next name on the Wimbledon honours board is off and running.
Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek ended their wait for SW19 glory in thrilling circumstances 12 months ago – and both are hoping to add a second title this year.
With Carlos Alcaraz absent, Sinner is the favourite to win the men’s draw. Should the Italian falter, Novak Djokovic could make history by winning a record-breaking 25th major title and matching Roger Federer’s title haul
Whatever happens, the debate over the King of Centre Court is likely to rage on but it is clear who the Queen is.
The tournament’s legacy is built on repeated triumphs by its greatest players, each adding to Wimbledon’s rich history.
Radio Times invites you to explore the stories of these iconic champions, celebrating the athletes who have left an indelible imprint on one of tennis’s most prestigious stages.
Who has won the most Wimbledon titles? (Men’s singles)
Swiss champion Roger Federer has won the most men’s singles titles at SW19, lifting the trophy a staggering eight times.
His first victory came in 2003, defeating Mark Philippoussis in straight sets. Federer’s 2003 triumph was the first in a streak of five straight wins at The Championships.
He celebrated his most recent win in 2017, beating Marin Cilic without dropping a set.
Pete Sampras is the joint-second most successful male Wimbledon champion in the Open era, with a tally of seven wins, level with Novak Djokovic, and ahead of Bjorn Borg.
Despite their status as part of the so-called Big Four, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have only won Wimbledon two times each, the same amount as Carlos Alcaraz scooped by the age of 21.
Open Era Wimbledon titles
- Roger Federer – 8
- Novak Djokovic – 7
- Pete Sampras – 7
- Bjorn Borg – 5
- John McEnroe/Boris Becker – 3
For more Wimbledon features, check out: Wimbledon FAQs, facts and figures
Who has won the most Wimbledon titles? (Women’s singles)
Czech superstar Martina Navratilova has won the most women’s singles titles in the Open era, clocking up an impressive nine wins at the All England Club – more than any player in the men’s or women’s games have been able to achieve before or since.
Her first win came in 1978, when Chris Evert took her to three sets, and she claimed her last Wimbledon singles title 12 years later, beating Zina Garrison in straight sets.
Steffi Graf and Serena Williams have come close, both of whom have celebrated seven singles championships at SW19. This will be the first Championships without a Williams sister since 1997.
Open Era Wimbledon titles
- Martina Navratilova – 9
- Steffi Graf/Serena Williams – 7
- Venus Williams – 5
- Billie Jean King – 4
- Chris Evert – 3
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Authors
Michael Potts is the Sport Editor for Radio Times, covering all of the biggest sporting events across the globe with previews, features, interviews and more. He has worked for Radio Times since 2019 and previously worked on the sport desk at Express.co.uk after starting his career writing features for What Culture. He achieved a first-class degree in Sports Journalism in 2014.
