Bill Tilden

Lore & Background

Tilden won six consecutive U.S. singles championships from 1920 to 1925 and seven in total, sharing the record with Richard Sears and Bill Larned. He frequently clashed with the United States Lawn Tennis Association over his amateur status and income from newspaper articles. In 1930, at age 37, he won his last Grand Slam at Wimbledon. He turned professional later that year and barnstormed for 15 years, often being the main draw. He won the U.S. Pro title in 1931 and 1935, and the French Pro title in 1934. In 1945, at age 52, he won the professional doubles championship with Vinnie Richards.

Reader's Guide

Bill Tilden's significance lies in his unprecedented dominance of tennis in the 1920s, both as an amateur and later as a professional. He set records that endured for decades, including a joint-record seven U.S. Championships titles and being the first American man to win Wimbledon. His career spanned over 35 years, from his singles debut in 1916 to his final match in 1951 at age 58. Tilden's influence extended beyond his playing career; he coached the German Davis Cup team in 1937. Despite conflicts with tennis authorities over amateur rules, he remained a central figure in the sport's development. His legacy is marked by his all-time achievements, such as the career match-winning record at the U.S. Championships and being the first player to reach ten finals at the same Grand Slam event.

Did You Know?

• Tilden was the first American man to win Wimbledon, first claiming the title in 1920.
• He won a joint-record seven U.S. Championships titles, shared with Richard Sears and Bill Larned.
• At the 1929 U.S. National Championships, Tilden became the first player to reach ten finals at the same Grand Slam event.
• In 1945, at age 52, Tilden won the professional doubles championship with Vinnie Richards, 27 years after they won the U.S. amateur title together.