“Big Bill”, as everybody called him, was one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Tilden was the World No. 1 player for six years from 1920 through 1925. He won 15 Major singles titles including ten Grand Slam events, one World Hard Court Championships and four professional majors. He was the first American to win Wimbledon in 1920.
Tilden brought a thinking approach to tennis, rather than a booming serve and banging forehand. He studied and mastered the use of spin, favored drop shots and lobs and would rely on his athleticism and physical talents to defeat his opponents. Tilden’s place in tennis history extends his on-court prowess. He was handsome, smart, gregarious, and charming, but he was likewise opinionated, arrogant, and inconsiderate. As stardom rose, so did his ego.
Despite his success on the tennis court, Tilden faced many challenges off the court. He struggled with personal demons, including a gambling addiction and a complicated love life. His behavior often made headlines and brought controversy to his career, with public scrutiny and criticism.
However, Tilden’s impact on the sport of tennis cannot be denied. He was known for his innovation and creativity in his playing style, often using tactics that were unconventional at the time. He was a master of psychological warfare on the court, often getting into the heads of his opponents with his confident demeanor and strategic play.
Tilden’s legacy in tennis extends beyond his playing career. He was an advocate for professional tennis and helped establish the professional game as a legitimate sport. He also wrote several books on tennis strategy and technique, further contributing to the development of the sport.
Despite his flaws, Tilden left an indelible mark on the world of tennis. His name is remembered as one of the all-time greats of the sport, and his contributions to the game continue to be recognized and celebrated to this day.
Frenchman René Lacoste interrupted Tilden’s reign of mastery, winning the 1926 and 1927 titles, the later victory coming over Tilden in three sets. Though doubles wasn’t necessarily his forte, judging by his U.S. National record he was extremely proficient.
Tilden became the first American to win Wimbldeon, capturing back-to-back championships in 1920 and 1921. Curiously, he didn’t return until 1927, losing in the semifinals three straight years. In 1930, and at age 37, Tilden became the oldest man to win a Wimbledon’s singles title.
The Bill Tilden Style and Slazenger
Our Tennis Sweaters are genuine products made from superfine two-fold (2/44) Merino wool yarn to create a unique knitted garment. The clean construction of the sweaters provides a look of distinction and a quality akin to handcrafted tailoring. The competition has always required players to wear white, and this rule still applies at Wimbledon today. Which has led to fashion being a tournament centerpiece – both aiding athletic performance and expressing individual personality. By the mid-1930’s, tennis sweaters had gained intense popularity amongst players, fans and film stars like Carey Grant and Robert Taylor, who brought the court-side look to the mainstream.
The second and third styles, the V-Neck and Cable Knit Jumpers, are inspired by the impeccable style of greats such as Bill Tilden. Made from fine stretch merino wool, these are perfect for British summer evenings. Since the 1920s, Merino Wool has been worn by individuals partaking in sporting activities due to its exceptional qualities of warmth and absorption.
