1880 Wimbledon Championship Explained

Date:5 – 15 July
Edition:4th
Location:Worple Road
SW19, Wimbledon,
London, United Kingdom
Venue:All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club
Surface:Grass
Category:Grand Slam
Champs: John Hartley

The 1880 Wimbledon Championships took place on the outdoor grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom. The tournament ran from 5 July until 15 July. It was the 4th staging of the Wimbledon Championships, and the first Grand Slam tennis event of 1880. There were a total of 60 competitors who entered the tournament a record until the 1904 draw. The admission charge remained at a shilling for the first four days, then raised to half a crown for the latter half of the draw.[1] The final was watched by 1300 spectators. The height of the net was reduced from 4inchesft9inchesin (ftin) at the posts to 4feet[1] and the distance from the service line to the net was reduced from 22feet to 21feet.[2]

Changes to the rules made a service touching the net, but otherwise good, a 'let'; while a player touching the net, or volleying before the ball crossed the net, lost the point. Scoreboards were provided for the first time.[2]

Singles

Final

See main article: 1880 Wimbledon Championship – Singles. John Hartley defeated Herbert Lawford, 6–3, 6–2, 2–6, 6–3 [3]

All Comers' Final

Herbert Lawford defeated Otway Woodhouse, 7–5, 6–4, 6–0 [1]

Notes and References

  1. 100 Years of Wimbledon by Lance Tingay, Guinness Superlatives Lid. 1977
  2. Book: Little, Alan. 2010 Wimbledon Compendium. 2001. All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Wimbledon, London. 1899039333. 10.
  3. Web site: Gentlemen's Singles Finals 1877-2016. wimbledon.com. Wimbledon Championships. 29 June 2017.