William Renshaw

English tennis player

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July 23, 2026

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William Renshaw was an English tennis player who, along with his twin brother Ernest, dominated Wimbledon in the 1880s. They are credited with transforming tennis into a spectator sport.1

William Renshaw won the Wimbledon men's singles championship seven times between 1881 and 1889, three times defeating his brother in the finals. Together, the Renshaw brothers won the British men's doubles championship seven times. They introduced hard serves and volleys to the game, contributing to their success. William Renshaw was also elected the first president of the British Lawn Tennis Association in 1888.12

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Renshaw brothers
William won the Wimbledon men’s singles championship seven times (1881–86 and 1889), on three occasions defeating his brother in the finals. Ernest was victorious in 1888. Together they won the British men’s doubles championship seven times. At Oxford, where that tournament was originally held, they…
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William won the Wimbledon men’s singles championship seven times (1881–86 and 1889), on three occasions defeating his brother in the finals. Ernest was victorious in 1888. Together they won the British men’s doubles championship seven times. At Oxford, where that tournament was originally held, they…
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tennis
Outstanding players
…by the remarkable twin brothers William and Ernest Renshaw. William won the Wimbledon singles championship seven times, on three occasions defeating his brother in the final. Ernest was victorious once, and in partnership they won the doubles championship, first played at Oxford in 1879, seven times.
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…by the remarkable twin brothers William and Ernest Renshaw. William won the Wimbledon singles championship seven times, on three occasions defeating his brother in the final. Ernest was victorious once, and in partnership they won the doubles championship, first played at Oxford in 1879, seven times.
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Wimbledon Championships
Notable records and accomplishments
…since the winning streaks of William Renshaw (1880s) and Laurie Doherty (1900s), which were held under the old challenge-round system that gave an advantage to defending champions.
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…since the winning streaks of William Renshaw (1880s) and Laurie Doherty (1900s), which were held under the old challenge-round system that gave an advantage to defending champions.
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