July 4, 1907 – Across the pond at the Wimbledon Men’s Tennis tournament a milestone event occurred. Australian Norman Brookes became the first non-Englishman to win Wimbledon beating Arthur Gore in straight sets- 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
Brookes was also the first left-handed player to win the annual event getting cheers from South-paws all over the globe. Brookes, who almost always had his signature driver’s cap on along with a button-down top, pressed trousers and spit-shined white shoes, was always a very dapper player.
This victory provided some solace for Brookes who lost the 1905 finale to one of the fraternity’s five-time champions, Laurie Doherty, 8-6, 6-2, 6-4. He is so highly regarded “Downunder” that the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup is presented each year to the winner of the Australian Open Men’s Championship.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
A Short History of March Madness (NCAAB Tournament)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball (NCAAB) tournament, known as March Madness, has a
The Men Behind The Best Football Nicknames (Early Chicago Football)
In professional sports, we have experienced a wide spectrum of clearly memorable nicknames. For
Beyond Broadway Joe: The Super Bowl TEAM That Changed Football
In this episode, I talk to Bob Lederer about his book – Beyond Broadway
Super Bowl XXX (Steelers vs. Cowboys): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXX, which was held on January 28, 1996, at
5 Boxers With An Undefeated Record
In this segment ladies and gentlemen, I am going to discuss “The Undefeated” throughout
Big Ben: What A Difference A Great Quarterback Makes!
So, Ben Roethlisberger has finally hung up his cleats. We have enjoyed eighteen years
My Top 10 NFL Playoff Games of the 1970s
I grew up watching football in the 1970s, an era many consider to be
Another Look at the 1947 NFL Championship Game
As we approach the 2022 Super Bowl, one old and familiar name will be