Bill Tilden

William Tatem Tilden II, known affectionately as "Big Bill," was a towering figure in American tennis, born on February 10, 1893. His remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as one of the sport's all-time greats. Tilden's dominance was evident as he held the title of world No. 1 amateur for six consecutive years from 1920 to 1925, and he was later recognized as the world No. 1 professional in the early 1930s.

With an impressive tally of fourteen Major singles titles, including ten Grand Slam victories, Tilden made history as the first American man to win Wimbledon, achieving this milestone in 1920. His prowess on the court was further highlighted by his joint-record seven U.S. Championships titles, a feat he shares with legends Richard Sears and Bill Larned.

Tilden's influence on international tennis was profound, particularly in the 1920s, where he triumphed in one hundred thirty-eight out of one hundred ninety-two tournaments during his amateur career. His legacy includes numerous records, such as the career match-winning record and the highest winning percentage at the U.S. Championships. Notably, he became the first player to reach ten finals at the same Grand Slam event during the 1929 U.S. National Championships.

Despite his success, Tilden often found himself at odds with the United States Lawn Tennis Association regarding his amateur status and income from journalism. He won his last Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 1930 at the age of thirty-seven before turning professional and embarking on a fifteen-year tour with other tennis professionals.