1996 Wimbledon Championships
Encyclopedia
The 1996 Wimbledon Championships was a tennis tournament played on :grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
in Wimbledon
in London in England. It was the 110th edition of the Wimbledon Championships and was held from 24 June to 7 July 1996.
, who was watching from the royal box.
When rain interrupted play on Centre Court on 3 July with a crowd that consisted of Prince Michael of Kent
, Princess Michael of Kent
and actress Joanna Lumley
, Richard was approached by court officials for an interview. They suggested that he sing a song or two to entertain the crowd. With approval from his PR manager Cliff proceeded to start the performance, starting with Singin' in the Rain
.
The performance ran for twenty minutes and consisted of Richard's classic hits such as Living Doll
and Congratulations
, as well as the Elvis Presley
hit "All Shook Up
". Past tennis stars Virginia Wade
, Martina Navrátilová, Hana Mandlíková
, Pam Shriver
, Gigi Fernández
and Conchita Martínez
were in the Royal Box and proceeded to join in as background singers.
Richard was not aware that his performance was televised by the BBC
, and after six songs presenter Des Lynam
jokingly claimed "we'll probably get one hell of a bill." The performance made the front pages in many major British newspapers on the following day.
Since a retractable roof was completed on Centre Court in 2009 such a performance is unlikely to happen again.
Richard Krajicek
defeated
MaliVai Washington
6–3, 6–4, 6–3
Steffi Graf
defeated
Arantxa Sánchez Vicario
6–3, 7–5
Todd Woodbridge
/ Mark Woodforde
defeated
Byron Black
/
Grant Connell
4–6, 6–1, 6–3, 6–2
Martina Hingis
/
Helena Suková
defeated Meredith McGrath
/
Larisa Neiland
5–7, 7–5, 6–1
Helena Suková
/ Cyril Suk
defeated Larisa Neiland
/ Mark Woodforde
1–6, 6–3, 6–2
Vladimir Voltchkov
defeated
Ivan Ljubičić
3–6, 6–2, 6–3
Amélie Mauresmo
defeated Magüi Serna
4–6, 6–3, 6–4
Daniele Bracciali
/ Jocelyn Robichaud
defeated
Damien Roberts / Wesley Whitehouse
6–2, 6–4
Olga Barabanschikova
/ Amélie Mauresmo
defeated Lilia Osterloh
/ Samantha Reeves
5–7, 6–3, 6–1
Wojciech Fibak
/ Tim Wilkison
defeated Pavel Složil
/ Tomáš Šmíd
6–2, 5–7, 6–1
Jo Durie
/ Anne Smith
defeated
Mima Jaušovec
/ Yvonne Vermaak
6–3, 6–2
John Alexander / Phil Dent
defeated Marty Riessen
/ Sherwood Stewart
7–6, 6–2
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club , also known as the All-England Club, based at Aorangi Park, Wimbledon, London, England, is a private members club. It is best known as the venue for the Wimbledon Championships, the only Grand Slam tennis event still held on grass...
in Wimbledon
Wimbledon, London
Wimbledon is a district in the south west area of London, England, located south of Wandsworth, and east of Kingston upon Thames. It is situated within Greater London. It is home to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and New Wimbledon Theatre, and contains Wimbledon Common, one of the largest areas...
in London in England. It was the 110th edition of the Wimbledon Championships and was held from 24 June to 7 July 1996.
Cliff Richard's impromptu concert
That year was best remembered for an impromptu performance staged by Cliff RichardCliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
, who was watching from the royal box.
When rain interrupted play on Centre Court on 3 July with a crowd that consisted of Prince Michael of Kent
Prince Michael of Kent
Prince Michael of Kent is a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary, making him a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. He is also the first cousin once removed of Prince Phillip. Prince Michael occasionally carries out royal duties representing the Queen at some functions in Commonwealth realms outside...
, Princess Michael of Kent
Princess Michael of Kent
Princess Michael of Kent is an Austrian-Hungarian member of the British Royal Family. She is married to Prince Michael of Kent, who is a grandson of King George V....
and actress Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lamond Lumley, OBE, FRGS is a British actress, voice-over artist, former-model and author, best known for her roles in British television series Absolutely Fabulous portraying Edina Monsoon's best friend, Patsy Stone, as well as parts in The New Avengers, Sapphire & Steel, and Sensitive...
, Richard was approached by court officials for an interview. They suggested that he sing a song or two to entertain the crowd. With approval from his PR manager Cliff proceeded to start the performance, starting with Singin' in the Rain
Singin' in the Rain (song)
"Singin' In the Rain" is a song with lyrics by Arthur Freed and music by Nacio Herb Brown, published in 1929. However, it is unclear exactly when the song was written with some claiming that the song was written and performed as early as 1927. The song was listed as Number 3 on AFI's 100 Years.....
.
The performance ran for twenty minutes and consisted of Richard's classic hits such as Living Doll
Living Doll (song)
"Living Doll" is a song written by Lionel Bart made popular by Cliff Richard and the Shadows in 1959. It has topped the UK charts twice; in its original version and a new version recorded in 1986 in aid of Comic Relief....
and Congratulations
Congratulations (song)
"Congratulations" is a song written by Bill Martin and Phil Coulter as the UK entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1968 on 6 April with Cliff Richard performing....
, as well as the Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
hit "All Shook Up
All Shook Up
"All Shook Up" is a song recorded by Elvis Presley and published by Elvis Presley Music and composed by Otis Blackwell. Elvis Presley's single topped the U.S. Pop chart on April 13, 1957, staying there for eight weeks. It also topped the R&B chart for four weeks, becoming Presley's second single to...
". Past tennis stars Virginia Wade
Virginia Wade
Sarah Virginia Wade, OBE is a former English tennis player. She won three Grand Slam singles championships and four Grand Slam doubles championships. She won the women's singles championship at Wimbledon on 1 July 1977, in that tournament's centenary year, the last time any Briton has won a...
, Martina Navrátilová, Hana Mandlíková
Hana Mandlíková
Hana Mandlíková is a former Czech professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia and later Australia. During her career, she won four Grand Slam singles titles – two at the Australian Open, one at the French Open, and one at the US Open...
, Pam Shriver
Pam Shriver
Pamela Howard Shriver Lazenby , is a former professional tennis player and is currently a sports broadcaster from the United States for ESPN2. During the 1980s and 1990s, she won 133 top-level titles, including 21 women's doubles titles and one mixed doubles title at Grand Slam tournaments...
, Gigi Fernández
Gigi Fernández
Beatriz "Gigi" Fernández is a former professional tennis player, the first female athlete from her native Puerto Rico to turn professional, the first Puerto Rican woman to ever win an Olympic gold medal and the first to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.Fernandez won 17 Grand...
and Conchita Martínez
Conchita Martínez
Inmaculada Concepción Martínez Bernat is a former professional tennis player from Monzón, Aragón, Spain. She is the only Spanish woman to have won the singles title at Wimbledon, when she beat Martina Navrátilová in the 1994 Women's Singles. She also was the singles runner-up at the 1998...
were in the Royal Box and proceeded to join in as background singers.
Richard was not aware that his performance was televised by the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
, and after six songs presenter Des Lynam
Des Lynam
Desmond Michael "Des" Lynam, OBE is an Irish television and radio presenter based in the UK.He has hosted television coverage of high profile events for many years...
jokingly claimed "we'll probably get one hell of a bill." The performance made the front pages in many major British newspapers on the following day.
Since a retractable roof was completed on Centre Court in 2009 such a performance is unlikely to happen again.
Men's Singles
Richard KrajicekRichard Krajicek
Richard Peter Stanislav Krajicek is a Dutch former professional tennis player. In 1996 he won the men's singles title at Wimbledon, the only Dutch player to have done so. In the quarterfinals of that tournament he defeated Pete Sampras. This was Sampras' only singles defeat at Wimbledon between...
defeated
MaliVai WashingtonMaliVai Washington
MaliVai "Mal" Washington is a former professional tennis player from the United States. He is best remembered for reaching the men's singles final at Wimbledon in 1996.-Family:...
6–3, 6–4, 6–3
- It was Krajicek's only career Grand Slam title. Krajicek also became the 1st Dutchman to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Women's Singles
Steffi GrafSteffi Graf
Steffi Graf is a former World No. 1 German tennis player.In total, Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, second among male and female players only to Margaret Court's 24...
defeated
Arantxa Sánchez VicarioArantxa Sánchez Vicario
Aránzazu 'Arantxa' Isabel Maria Sánchez Vicario is a Spanish former professional tennis player...
6–3, 7–5
- It was Graf's 21st career Grand Slam title and her 7th and last Wimbledon title.
Men's Doubles
Todd WoodbridgeTodd Woodbridge
Todd Andrew Woodbridge is an Australian former tennis player. He was born in Sydney and turned professional in 1988. He is best known for his successful Doubles partnerships with Mark Woodforde and later Jonas Björkman...
/
Mark WoodfordeMark Woodforde
Mark Woodforde is a former professional tennis player from Australia. He is best known as one half of "The Woodies", a doubles partnership with Todd Woodbridge....
defeated
Byron BlackByron Black
Byron Black is a former touring professional tennis and Davis Cup player for Zimbabwe.- Biography :He is the brother of Cara and Wayne Black, both professional tennis players...
/
Grant ConnellGrant Connell
Grant Connell is a former professional tennis player from Canada. He was one of the world's top doubles player from the early through middle 1990s....
4–6, 6–1, 6–3, 6–2
- It was Woodbridge's 10th career Grand Slam title and his 5th Wimbledon title. It was Woodforde's 11th career Grand Slam title and his 4th Wimbledon title.
Women's Doubles
Martina HingisMartina Hingis
Martina Hingis is a retired Swiss professional tennis player who spent a total of 209 weeks as World No. 1. She won five Grand Slam singles titles...
/
Helena SukováHelena Suková
Helena Suková is a former professional tennis player from Czechia. During her career, she won 14 Grand Slam titles, 9 of them in women's doubles and 5 of them in mixed doubles...
defeated
Meredith McGrathMeredith McGrath
Meredith McGrath is a former professional tennis player. She was born on April 28, 1971 in Midland, Michigan, USA and made her debut on the Women's Tennis Association tour in 1988. She won three singles titles in a ten year career, at Oklahoma City and Eastbourne in 1994 and Birmingham in 1996. ...
/
Larisa NeilandLarisa Neiland
Larisa Savchenko Neiland is a former tennis player who represented Latvia. A former number-one ranked doubles player, Neiland won two women's doubles Grand Slam titles. She also won two singles titles and sixty-five doubles titles.-Career:Neiland turned professional in 1983...
5–7, 7–5, 6–1
- It was Hingis' 1st career Grand Slam title and her 1st Wimbledon title. It was Suková's 12th career Grand Slam title and her 5th Wimbledon title.
Mixed Doubles
Helena SukováHelena Suková
Helena Suková is a former professional tennis player from Czechia. During her career, she won 14 Grand Slam titles, 9 of them in women's doubles and 5 of them in mixed doubles...
/
Cyril SukCyril Suk
Cyril Suk III is a former professional tennis player. A doubles specialist, Suk has won one Grand Slam men's doubles title and four Grand Slam mixed doubles titles during his career....
defeated
Larisa NeilandLarisa Neiland
Larisa Savchenko Neiland is a former tennis player who represented Latvia. A former number-one ranked doubles player, Neiland won two women's doubles Grand Slam titles. She also won two singles titles and sixty-five doubles titles.-Career:Neiland turned professional in 1983...
/
Mark WoodfordeMark Woodforde
Mark Woodforde is a former professional tennis player from Australia. He is best known as one half of "The Woodies", a doubles partnership with Todd Woodbridge....
1–6, 6–3, 6–2
- It was Suková's 13th career Grand Slam title and her 6th Wimbledon title. It was Suk's 3rd career Grand Slam title and his 2nd Wimbledon title.
Boys' Singles
Vladimir VoltchkovVladimir Voltchkov
Vladimir Nikolayevich Voltchkov is a Belarusian tennis player. Voltchkov reached the semi-final at the 2000 Wimbledon, where, as a qualifer, he lost to Pete Sampras in straight sets...
defeated
Ivan LjubičićIvan Ljubicic
----Ivan Ljubičić is a Croatian tennis player born in Bosnia and Herzegovina . His career-high ATP ranking to date has been no. 3, and he stands at no. 37....
3–6, 6–2, 6–3
Girls' Singles
Amélie MauresmoAmélie Mauresmo
Amélie Simone Mauresmo ; is a French former professional tennis player, and a former World No. 1. Mauresmo won two Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon....
defeated
Magüi SernaMagüi Serna
María Luisa Serna Barrera is a professional female tennis player from Spain. She started competing in ITF challengers as from 1993, and joined the WTA Tour in 1996. On her high point she was ranked World No...
4–6, 6–3, 6–4
Boys' Doubles
Daniele BraccialiDaniele Bracciali
Daniele Bracciali is an Italian tennis player. His career-high ranking in singles is World No. 49, achieved on May 8, 2006.-Career:Bracciali won his only ATP singles title so far in April 2006, at Casablanca, on clay...
/
Jocelyn RobichaudJocelyn Robichaud
Jocelyn Robichaud is a former tour professional tennis player. Robichaud captured three junior Grand Slam titles and played Davis Cup for Canada. More of a doubles specialist, he won three Challenger events in doubles and reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of World No...
defeated
Damien Roberts / Wesley WhitehouseWesley Whitehouse
Wesley Whitehouse is a tennis player, born 13 March 1979 in Durban, South Africa.- Biography :Whitehouse resides or has resided in between Pretoria, South Africa and Phoenix, Arizona.- Career :...
6–2, 6–4
Girls' Doubles
Olga BarabanschikovaOlga Barabanschikova
Olga Barabanschikova is a professional Belarusian tennis player.Barabanschikova highest WTA singles ranking is 49th, which she reached on 2 March 1998. Her career high in doubles was at 81 set at 19 October 1998...
/
Amélie MauresmoAmélie Mauresmo
Amélie Simone Mauresmo ; is a French former professional tennis player, and a former World No. 1. Mauresmo won two Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon....
defeated
Lilia OsterlohLilia Osterloh
Lilia Osterloh is a tennis player from the United States, who started a professional career in August 1997....
/
Samantha ReevesSamantha Reeves
Samantha Reeves is an American tennis player.Reeves's best results in singles have been reaching the quarter-finals at Hawaii , Bahia and Quebec City .-External links:...
5–7, 6–3, 6–1
Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles
Wojciech FibakWojciech Fibak
Wojciech Fibak or shorter Wojtek Fibak is a former Polish tennis player best known for his doubles success with Tom Okker and Kim Warwick....
/
Tim WilkisonTim Wilkison
Tim Wilkison is a former professional male tennis player from the United States.Wilkison was the #1 ranked junior in the United States and went on to play professional tennis for over 25 years. He won 6 singles titles and 9 doubles championships...
defeated
Pavel SložilPavel Složil
Pavel Složil is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia....
/
Tomáš ŠmídTomáš Šmíd
Tomáš Šmíd is a former tennis player from Czechoslovakia, who won nine singles titles during his career. In doubles, he won fifty-four titles and was the world's highest-ranking doubles player from December 17, 1984, to August 11, 1985. The right-hander reached his highest singles ATP ranking on...
6–2, 5–7, 6–1
Ladies' Invitation Doubles
Jo DurieJo Durie
Jo Durie is a former world number 5 professional tennis player from the United Kingdom. During her career, she won two Grand Slam titles, both in the mixed doubles.-Singles career:...
/
Anne SmithAnne Smith
Anne Smith is a female former professional tennis player from the United States. Smith's highest women's doubles ranking was World No. 1 in 1980 and 1981. Her highest singles ranking was World No. 12 in 1982...
defeated
Mima JaušovecMima Jaušovec
Mima Jaušovec is a Slovenian female former tennis player. She was born on July 20, 1956, in Maribor, PR Slovenia, FPR Yugoslavia). In singles she reached a career high of No. 6 in 1982, in doubles she reached a career high of No. 211 in 1986....
/
Yvonne VermaakYvonne Vermaak
Yvonne Vermaak is a former tour tennis player who represented her native South Africa.Vermaak's best result was defeating Virginia Wade in the quarter-finals of the 1983 Wimbledon Championships.Late in her playing career, Vermaak became an American citizen....
6–3, 6–2
Senior Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles
John Alexander / Phil DentPhil Dent
Phillip "Phil" Dent, born on 14 February 1950, in Sydney, Australia, is a former professional tennis player. Dent's high water mark as a pro singles player was reaching the Australian Open final in 1974, which he lost to Jimmy Connors 7–6, 6–4, 4–6, 6–3...
defeated
Marty RiessenMarty Riessen
Marty Riessen played amateur and professional tennis in the 1960s and 1970s. He was ranked as high as No. 11 in the world in singles on the ATP Rankings...
/
Sherwood StewartSherwood Stewart
Sherwood Stewart played amateur and professional tennis in the 1970s and 1980s. Stewart was ranked as high as No. 60 in the world in singles on the ATP Rankings on December 31, 1978, and No...
7–6, 6–2