One-Hit Wonders Trivia Quiz

Answer: Manuel Santana

Manuel Santana won the men's singles title at Wimbledon in 1966, becoming the first Spanish player to do so. He defeated American player Dennis Ralston in the final with scores of 6-4, 11-9, 6-4. This victory was a major milestone for Spanish tennis, raising the sport's popularity in Spain.

Santana was already a top player, having won other Grand Slam titles (French Open in 1961 & 1964, US Open in 1965). Still, Wimbledon was especially significant because it was played on grass, a surface not common in Spain at the time.

Answer: Stan Smith

Stan Smith won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1972, defeating Ilie Nãstase in a dramatic five-set final. His victory came after a tough match against Romanian player Ilie Nãstase, with final scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. It was his first and only Wimbledon singles title, and his second Grand Slam singles win overall (US Open 1971).

The final was historic, as it was the first time a Wimbledon men's singles final was played on a Sunday, due to rain delays. Smith's calm and steady playing style helped him overcome Nãstase's flair and unpredictability. Though many people today know Stan Smith for the Adidas shoes named after him, his Wimbledon win remains a key moment in tennis history.

Answer: Jan Kodes

Jan Kodes won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1973, defeating Alex Metreveli in straight sets: 6-1, 9-8 (7-5), 6-3. His victory was historic for several reasons. It was his first and only Wimbledon title and came during a year when 81 top ATP players boycotted the tournament, including the defending champion Stan Smith, in protest over the suspension of Yugoslav player Nikola Piliæ.

Despite the absence of many top seeds, Kodes's win was hard-earned and included the first-ever tie-break in a Wimbledon singles final, played at 8-8 in the second set. Known for his gritty baseline play and determination, Kodes had already won the French Open twice (1970 & 1971), but his Wimbledon triumph showed his versatility across surfaces. It was also his third and final Grand Slam singles title.

Answer: Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1975, making history as the first Black man to do so. He defeated defending champion Jimmy Connors in four sets: 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. He used a smart, tactical approach, slowing the pace and mixing up shots to disrupt Connors' aggressive style.

The win was not only a major tennis achievement but also a powerful moment in sports and civil rights history, as his presence and success challenged racial barriers in a traditionally elite, predominantly white sport. His calm presence and strategic play earned him respect worldwide, and his victory at Wimbledon remains one of the most iconic moments in tennis.

Answer: Pat Cash

Pat Cash won Wimbledon in 1987, defeating Ivan Lendl in straight sets: 7-6 (5), 6-2, 7-5. He was the first Australian man to win the title since 1971 (won by John Newcombe). His victory was a standout moment in tennis history. He beat world No. 1 Ivan Lendl in the final, using aggressive serve-and-volley tactics that worked perfectly on grass.

After the win, Cash made headlines with his spontaneous celebration, when he climbed into the stands to hug his family and team; a move that became iconic and inspired future winners to do the same. It was his only Grand Slam singles title.

Answer: Michael Stich

Michael Stich won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1991, defeating fellow German Boris Becker in straight sets: 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4. It was his only Grand Slam singles title. He entered the tournament as a 33-1 outsider but stunned the tennis world with his powerful serve-and-volley game.

In the final, he overcame Becker, already a two-time Wimbledon champion, in a tense all-German showdown. Stich's calm under pressure and aggressive net play helped him control the match, especially during the second-set tiebreak. Though he never won another singles Grand Slam, he reached world No. 2 and later won the Wimbledon doubles title in 1992 with John McEnroe. His 1991 win remains a highlight of his career and a classic Wimbledon upset.

Answer: Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi won Wimbledon in 1992, defeating Goran Ivaniseviæ in a five-set final: 6-7(8-10), 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4. It was his first Grand Slam title and only Wimbledon win. His victory was a surprise because he had skipped Wimbledon for three years, as he disliked playing on grass. But in 1992, he returned and beat three former champions, Boris Becker, John McEnroe, and finally Ivaniseviæ, to claim the title.

Ivaniseviæ was known for his powerful serve, but Agassi's return game and baseline control helped him win. After the final, Agassi collapsed on the grass in disbelief. His win marked a turning point in his career and showed that even players who struggled on grass could triumph at Wimbledon.

Answer: Richard Krajicek

Richard Krajicek won Wimbledon in 1996, defeating MaliVai Washington in straight sets: 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. He was the first Dutch player to win the men's singles title. His win was a surprise and remains the highlight of his career.
He was originally unseeded, but replaced seventh seed Thomas Muster in the draw when Muster withdrew, becoming the 17th seed (a 'shadow 17th seed'), ending Sampras's 25-match Wimbledon win streak.

In the final, Krajicek dominated with powerful serve-and-volley play, defeating Washington in what was the only Grand Slam final for both players. His victory made him the first and only Dutchman to win a Grand Slam singles title, and it marked a rare break in Sampras's dominance during the 1990s.

Answer: Goran Ivaniseviæ

Goran Ivaniseviæ won Wimbledon in 2001, defeating Patrick Rafter in a five-set thriller: 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7. He was the first wild card and only unseeded player ever to win the men's singles title. He had lost three previous Wimbledon finals (1992, 1994, 1998) and entered the 2001 tournament ranked No. 125 in the world, receiving a wild card based on past performances.

His run to the title was full of emotion and drama, capped by a Monday final due to rain delays. In front of a roaring crowd, he held his nerve in a tense fifth set to finally claim his dream title. The win boosted his ranking by 109 places and made him a national hero in Croatia. It remains one of the most unforgettable Wimbledon stories.

Answer: Lleyton Hewitt

Lleyton Hewitt won Wimbledon in 2002, defeating David Nalbandian in straight sets: 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. It was his only Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam singles win (US Open 2001). He entered the tournament as the top seed and lived up to expectations with dominant performances throughout. In the final, he overpowered Nalbandian with fast footwork, consistent groundstrokes, and sharp returns.

Hewitt's win made him the first Australian man to win Wimbledon since Pat Cash in 1987. At just 21 years old, he became one of the youngest champions in the Open Era. His victory confirmed his status as world No. 1 and marked the peak of his career.