Before the Open era (pre‑1968), Wimbledon was dominated by a few players who set records that were unmatched for decades. British twin William Renshaw won the gentlemen’s singles title seven times between 1881 and 1886 and again in 1889, pioneering the powerful overhead serve that would become a staple of modern tennis. In the women’s game, American Helen Wills Moody captured eight Wimbledon titles between 1927 and 1938, a record for women’s singles until Martina Navratilova surpassed her in 1990. Both players benefited from the old challenge‑round format (where the defending champion only played the final), yet their achievements set a benchmark for excellence on the lawn.