End-of-Wimbledon Awards Highlight Notable Achievements

Published 13 July 2026
Wimbledon 2026 was characterized by excitement, remarkable stories, and significant success for British players, despite a slow start. The combination of high-quality tennis, pleasant weather, and England's performance in the World Cup contributed to an engaging tournament.

In my finale column for the year, I have selected standout moments from the past fortnight and encouraged readers to vote for their favorite match. Here are the Wimbledon 2026 Awards.

Best story: Arthur's Wimbledon 'Fery-tale'
Arthur Fery emerged as a beacon for British tennis fans when he reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon, a rare accomplishment for a wildcard. Despite a challenging start in his first-round match against Damir Dzumhur, in which he lost the opening set, Fery demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back in subsequent matches. His performance has positioned him well for a promising career ahead. Additionally, Alexandra Eala's journey to the last 16 marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her talent and engaging personality.

Other notable mentions included Serena Williams' much-anticipated singles comeback and Jannik Sinner’s impressive back-to-back Wimbledon titles.

Biggest drama: Noskova's remarkable recovery
Linda Noskova's victory in the women's singles final highlighted her mental toughness. After initially leading 6-2, 5-2, she faced a nail-biting turnaround but managed to regain her composure and win the title. Prior to the final, a standout moment was Karolina Muchova's thrilling semi-final victory against Coco Gauff, culminating in an exhilarating tie-break.

Best match: Djokovic defying age in five-hour win
The match of the tournament for me was Novak Djokovic's extraordinary victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime. This record-setting quarter-final made history as the longest in Wimbledon history, with Djokovic showcasing his legendary status by overcoming a younger competitor at 39.

Best outfit: Osaka's kimono
Naomi Osaka garnered attention with her stunning kimono during her entrance at Wimbledon, demonstrating her unique blend of fashion and sport. While numerous players wore exceptional outfits, the standout was the light-hearted individual who appeared dressed as a strawberry on Centre Court.

Best celebration: Fery's joy
The emotional reactions of players following wins at Wimbledon adds richness to the tournament. Arthur Fery's joyous celebration after beating Grigor Dimitrov to reach the quarter-finals was particularly moving, resonating with the pride and joy that such achievements evoke in players and their families.

Biggest disappointment: Injured Serena ruled out of doubles
Regrettably, one of the low points of the tournament was Serena Williams' knee injury, which forced her to withdraw from doubles after her singles return. The potential reunion with her sister Venus in doubles was a nostalgic moment fans had hoped for.