1977: When Virginia Wade Won Wimbledon

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Documentary
Sport

Summary

A look at the tennis player's triumph in the 1977 singles championship as the UK celebrated Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, becoming the last British women to win the title. This documentary charts the journey of the sports star, from archdeacon's daughter in Durban, South Africa, through an incredible tennis career to the very pinnacle of achievement in SW19. With reflections from Wade herself, and fellow stars of the sport including friend and rival Billie Jean King

Review

Michael Hogan

Pour yourself a Pimm’s or Robinson’s Orange Barley Water (disclaimer: other drinks are available). With the All England Club’s fabled tennis championships reaching their climax this weekend, warm up with another chance to see this look back at the last time a British woman won the singles title. Nearly half a century ago, Virginia Wade didn’t just win Wimbledon – she made history.

The doc charts her journey from archdeacon’s daughter in South Africa to career pinnacle in London SW19, completing a halcyon summer as the country celebrated Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. The story is brought to life by Wade herself, alongside her friend and rival Billie Jean King.