Wimbledon History
As Wimbledon gets underway I thought it would be interesting to remember the winner of the longest lady’s tennis final ever.
Muriel Robb (1878-1907) was the only child of William David Robb and Ellen Mary Robb. She attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College (1893–1897), where she developed into a strong tennis player. Tall and powerful, she had a strong forehand, was one of the early women to use an overarm serve, and preferred baseline rallies over volleying, with a notable big-match temperament.
In the 1902 All Comers event (with a small draw of 22), Robb advanced by defeating opponents including Edith Bromfield, Hilda Lane, and Dorothea Douglass (in a tough semifinal: 6-4, 2-6, 9-7). She then beat Agnes Morton 6-2, 6-4 in the All Comers final to earn a Challenge Round match against defending champion Charlotte Cooper Sterry. In those days the title was decided by challenging the holder in a challenge match.
The challenge match was dramatic and set records. The great Charlotte Sterry, thr holder, won the first set 6-4, but Robb fought back to win the second 13-11. Rain then stopped play. The match started again the next day with the referee deciding to play another three sets. Robb eventually won 7-5, 6-1.
The match involved a record 53 games in a women’s Wimbledon final (pre-tiebreak era). This was Robb’s last Wimbledon match. She reached the mixed doubles final that year (with Clement Cazalet) but lost.
Ill health limited her after 1902; she played little more and did not defend her title. Diagnosed with leukaemia, she battled it for three years dying on 12 February 1907 at the family home Newcastle at the age of 29.
Original photo animated by AI. I love the idea of playing in a straw hat.
Muriel Robb (1878-1907) was the only child of William David Robb and Ellen Mary Robb. She attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College (1893–1897), where she developed into a strong tennis player. Tall and powerful, she had a strong forehand, was one of the early women to use an overarm serve, and preferred baseline rallies over volleying, with a notable big-match temperament.
In the 1902 All Comers event (with a small draw of 22), Robb advanced by defeating opponents including Edith Bromfield, Hilda Lane, and Dorothea Douglass (in a tough semifinal: 6-4, 2-6, 9-7). She then beat Agnes Morton 6-2, 6-4 in the All Comers final to earn a Challenge Round match against defending champion Charlotte Cooper Sterry. In those days the title was decided by challenging the holder in a challenge match.
The challenge match was dramatic and set records. The great Charlotte Sterry, thr holder, won the first set 6-4, but Robb fought back to win the second 13-11. Rain then stopped play. The match started again the next day with the referee deciding to play another three sets. Robb eventually won 7-5, 6-1.
The match involved a record 53 games in a women’s Wimbledon final (pre-tiebreak era). This was Robb’s last Wimbledon match. She reached the mixed doubles final that year (with Clement Cazalet) but lost.
Ill health limited her after 1902; she played little more and did not defend her title. Diagnosed with leukaemia, she battled it for three years dying on 12 February 1907 at the family home Newcastle at the age of 29.
Original photo animated by AI. I love the idea of playing in a straw hat.
