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1961 Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles Championship Trophy presented to Rod Laver

  • Credit Loan courtesy of Rod Laver, 1997
  • Tournament Wimbledon
  • Venue All England Lawn Tennis Club
  • Manufacturer Asprey & Co. Ltd. (British)
  • Material sterling silver (gilt), wood
  • Date 1961
  • Dimensions Overall: (h) 25.4 cm x (w) 16.51 cm x (diam) 7.62 cm

Rod Laver is best known for completing the pinnacle of tennis accomplishment, the calendar year Grand Slam, not once, but twice, a record in singles only surpassed by Dutch wheelchair player Diede de Groot. However, the 11-time major champion has more records to his name, one coming with his 1961 Wimbledon men’s singles titles. In the championships, he beat American Chuck McKinley in straight sets 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. The match lasted only 53 minutes, making it one of the shortest men’s singles finals.

Photo courtesy of AP Photo (top left)

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