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Quiz about HSBCs Wimbledons Greatest Champions
Quiz about HSBCs Wimbledons Greatest Champions

HSBC's "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" Quiz


In 2009, the HSBC asked for the public to vote for who they considered to be the greatest ever Wimbledon champion. This quiz looks at the players who were voted in the top 5 for both the men's and women's game. Enjoy!

A multiple-choice quiz by doublemm. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
doublemm
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
316,046
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
481
Awards
Top 20% Quiz
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Question 1 of 10
1. Serena Williams is one of the names in the list of "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions". She is noted for the power she brought to the women's game. In which years did Serena use this power (along with her other desirable attributes) to complete what she called, a "Serena Slam"? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. John McEnroe's explosive personality and bad temper on the court may sometimes overshadow the fact that he won 3 singles titles at Wimbledon. Against which player did McEnroe narrowly lose to in the incredible five-set Wimbledon men's final in 1980? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. She is considered the first female tennis "celebrity". She won 6 Wimbledon titles (12 major titles in total). She was dubbed "the Divine One" by the French press, and she has a court at the French Open named after her. Can you tell me her name? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. Taking his much deserved place on the roll of "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" is Rod Laver. In collecting 11 Grand Slam titles, Laver cemented himself as one of the best to ever play the game of tennis! He was also noted for his revolutionary style of play, which incorporated both speed and power. This led to him gaining which nickname? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Billie Jean King is one of the most successful tennis players in the game's history, excelling in singles and doubles at all major tournaments. She is also known for her leading role in women's tennis and her wise words. Which of these is not a famous quote from Billie Jean King? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Featuring in the ATP top ten rankings for 12 years, winning 14 Grand Slam singles titles, and having never lost a Wimbledon final, this man's inclusion on the list of "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" cannot be debated. Which tennis player am I referring to? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Steffi Graf won so many Grand Slam singles titles, it is perhaps easier to remember the years when she did not win. So, in which of these years did Graf not win the Wimbledon singles title? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. One long standing record at Wimbledon was that of 5 consecutive singles title victories. This was set by the Swede, Bjorn Borg (1976-77-78-79-80). Borg's relatively short tennis career (10 years) saw several Grand Slam victories. His calm persona on court was clearly a factor in his success. What nickname did this "cool" characteristic earn Borg? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. The woman who emerged as number one in the woman's game in HSBC's "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" list was Martina Navratilova. Noted for her longevity and dedication to the game of tennis, Navratilova has become a defining figure in the sport. Can you tell me how many Wimbledon singles titles she won? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. In terms of records held and style of play on grass, few can argue with the crowning of Roger Federer as the "greatest Wimbledon's men's champion". In which Grand Slam tournament did Federer win his first major singles title? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Serena Williams is one of the names in the list of "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions". She is noted for the power she brought to the women's game. In which years did Serena use this power (along with her other desirable attributes) to complete what she called, a "Serena Slam"?

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?
2. John McEnroe's explosive personality and bad temper on the court may sometimes overshadow the fact that he won 3 singles titles at Wimbledon. Against which player did McEnroe narrowly lose to in the incredible five-set Wimbledon men's final in 1980?

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".
3. She is considered the first female tennis "celebrity". She won 6 Wimbledon titles (12 major titles in total). She was dubbed "the Divine One" by the French press, and she has a court at the French Open named after her. Can you tell me her name?

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.
4. Taking his much deserved place on the roll of "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" is Rod Laver. In collecting 11 Grand Slam titles, Laver cemented himself as one of the best to ever play the game of tennis! He was also noted for his revolutionary style of play, which incorporated both speed and power. This led to him gaining which nickname?

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!
5. Billie Jean King is one of the most successful tennis players in the game's history, excelling in singles and doubles at all major tournaments. She is also known for her leading role in women's tennis and her wise words. Which of these is not a famous quote from Billie Jean King?

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.
6. Featuring in the ATP top ten rankings for 12 years, winning 14 Grand Slam singles titles, and having never lost a Wimbledon final, this man's inclusion on the list of "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" cannot be debated. Which tennis player am I referring to?

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.
7. Steffi Graf won so many Grand Slam singles titles, it is perhaps easier to remember the years when she did not win. So, in which of these years did Graf not win the Wimbledon singles title?

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.
8. One long standing record at Wimbledon was that of 5 consecutive singles title victories. This was set by the Swede, Bjorn Borg (1976-77-78-79-80). Borg's relatively short tennis career (10 years) saw several Grand Slam victories. His calm persona on court was clearly a factor in his success. What nickname did this "cool" characteristic earn Borg?

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.
9. The woman who emerged as number one in the woman's game in HSBC's "Wimbledon's Greatest Champions" list was Martina Navratilova. Noted for her longevity and dedication to the game of tennis, Navratilova has become a defining figure in the sport. Can you tell me how many Wimbledon singles titles she won?

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".
10. In terms of records held and style of play on grass, few can argue with the crowning of Roger Federer as the "greatest Wimbledon's men's champion". In which Grand Slam tournament did Federer win his first major singles title?

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.
Source: Author doublemm

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