Wimbledon: The biggest shock victories on Centre Court

Wimbledon is just around the corner, and tennis fans welcome the return of the year’s third Grand Slam. With the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal struggling with injuries, the competition is wide open, leaving Carlos Alcaraz with the chance to retain his title after the Spaniard won his first-ever Major 12 months ago. 

Alcaraz dominates the Wimbledon betting odds, although Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner are also in contention. Wimbledon is known for its unpredictability, and over the years there have been plenty of upsets at Centre Court.

Indeed, we have seen moments of underdog triumphs that have etched themselves into the tournament’s history. For all the prestige and legacy associated with Wimbledon, there is still a chance for an outsider to upset the odds.

In this article, we take a look at some of the most significant shock victories to have taken place at Wimbledon. 

Goran Ivanišević vs. Pat Rafter (2001 Final)

In what is often cited as one of the greatest Cinderella stories in tennis, Goran Ivanišević entered the 2001 Wimbledon tournament as a wild card, ranked 125th in the world. 

The Croatian had been a three-time runner-up at Wimbledon but had struggled with injuries and form in the years leading up to this tournament, given no real chance by those who bet on tennis. 

Against all expectations, Ivanišević battled his way to the final, where he faced the formidable Australian, Pat Rafter. In a pulsating five-set thriller, Ivanišević triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7, becoming the first wild card to win a Grand Slam. 

What is most special about the occasion was the atmosphere – the roar of the crowd in the blistering summer sun was something that Wimbledon had not seen in many years, as Ivanišević finally collected his crown fourth time of asking. 

“I don’t know if someone is going to wake me up and tell me I haven’t won again,” he said.” This was my dream all my life. I came here and nobody thought about me, but here I am holding the trophy.”

George Bastl vs. Pete Sampras (2002 Second Round)

One of the most shocking upsets in Wimbledon history occurred in 2002 when Switzerland’s George Bastl, ranked 145th in the world, defeated seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras in the second round.

Sampras, who was widely expected to cruise through the early rounds, was stunned by Bastl’s relentless play and composure. Bastl secured a 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4 victory, marking the end of the American’s dominance at Wimbledon. 

This match highlighted the sheer unpredictability of the tournament and remains a memorable moment of triumph for the underdog, who produced a speculator forehand display that Sampras was simply unable to deal with. 

Bastl would reach the quarter-final the following year while winning the 2004 Milan Open on carpet against Alexander Waske in a magical two years that no one could have expected.

Boris Becker vs. Kevin Curren (1985 Final)

Boris Becker is a cult hero in the game of tennis even thirty years on from his Wimbledon miracle. An unseeded 17-year-old, he took Wimbledon by storm in 1985. 

With his powerful serve and fearless play, Becker became the youngest male player to win the prestigious title, and would only face real competition once Alcaraz beat Djokovic on Centre Court last year. 

In the final, he faced the eighth-seeded South African, Kevin Curren, who had already dispatched heavyweights like John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. Becker’s victory was not just a personal milestone but a seismic shift in tennis, marking the arrival of a new generation of power players.