Give this old codger a break - a tie break ! The longest match - in the days before they sat down!

Gonzalez Pasarell

The famous 1969 match between Pancho Gonzalez and Charlie Pasarell is officially the longest match ever at Wimbledon- before the introduction of tie breaks and chairs. Gonzalez, 41 years of age at the time, asked the referee, due to bad light in the 2nd set, if play could continue the next day, but was refused and deliberately "threw" the set. Gonzalez saved all 7 match points against him in the final set and won 22-24, 1-6, 16-14, 6-3, 11-9, after 5 hours and 12 minutes.

Game, set and, er, flash !

Gonzalez Pasarell

In 1996 the first streaker ever seen at Wimbledon suddenly ran across Centre court during a match between Richard Krajicek and Mal Washington. More photos were taken of her than the players !

Stan Smith (b. 1946-) (Us) Wimbledon winner 1972

Won 1972 (bt.Illie Nastase 4-6, 6-3,6-3, 4-6, 7-5)

The first man in the modern era who claimed that his tough Army background was an important factor in his tennis success, giving him the mental strength to often comeback when he was behind in matches.The "too clumsy" Smith, who was turned down as a ball boy for the Davis Cup because he dropped too many balls, played one of the most memorable finals of the 1970s against the argumentative Romanian, Illie Nastase,Stan Smith serving to win the 1972 Wimbledon tournament, in a classic five setter. The 6' 4" American's game was perfectly suited to the serve/volley style needed in the grass court Wimbledon of the 1970s.1972 final Smith was the first pro tennis player to sign a contractual deal with a major sports shoe manufacturer, Adidas, for the Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers, which eventually sold well over 20 million pairs.

1972 final Stan SmithNastase umbrella

Nastase- the court clown