Wimbledon Legends: The Women

posted: 22 June 2008 by Marie Ahsun

We take a look back at some of Wimbledon's greatest ladies...

Martina Navratilova
Martina was never quite as loved as Borg, despite an even better record that saw her win nine singles championships and a joint record 20 Wimbledon titles in all. Maybe it was her Eastern European brawn or her 'untraditional' sexuality; more likely it was just that she was too damn good, and womens' tennis became just a little predictable during her reign.

Virginia Wade
A legend of Wimbledon by virtue of her finest hour when she won the Centenary Championships in 1977. She beat the Dutch lady Betty Stove in a nailbiting, three-set final and became the first British winner of a singles title at Wimbledon since Fred Perry. Wade received the trophy from the Queen and the crowd sang 'for he's a jolly good fellow', which was a slightly odd choice for a lass. Elected to the Wimbledon Committee in 1982.

Steffi Graf
The German superstar was, along with Navratilova, probably the best player ever to grace the Centre Court at Wimbledon. Winning seven singles titles in a strong era, she bewildered opponents with her forehand, possibly the best shot ever in the womens' game. Steffi was calmness and efficiency personified but the Wimbledon crowds did belatedly take her into their hearts, and now as Mrs Agassi she is cheered to the rafters whenever she appears at the All England club to watch.

Billie Jean King
Like Navratilova, the principled American won 20 Wimbledon titles without ever being a true crowd favourite. But she has done more to advance the cause of women in tennis than possibly any other. From the moment she took part in and won the infamous Battle Of The Sexes against Bobby Riggs in 1973, Billie Jean King has battled against sexism in tennis with much of the same attitude she showed on the court. Someone whose legacy both on and off the court is completely peerless.

Marie Ahsun - Marie Ahsun sneaked through the back door of London At Large 50 years ago and managed to kill off everyone in the company to become editor. After too many days spent fixing printers and crying, she was then lured to the Daily Mail with the promise of expenses and boozy lunches with the likes of George Melly and Molly Parkin. When the Wicked Whispers showbiz column got dropped for being too right-wing she then worked at The Sun until 2006 until the lure of stalking Calum Best around Movida lost its appeal, and the thought of getting a big tea cooked by her boyfriend seemed like a much better option. She now edits Virgin Mobile's WAP portal BITES.