Births on January 9

John Hartley, English tennis player (d. 1935)

Reverend John Thorneycroft Hartley, born on January 9, 1849, and passing away on August 21, 1935, was a distinguished English tennis player who etched his name into the annals of sports history as the sole clergyman ever to clinch the prestigious Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles title. His unique achievement remains unparalleled, highlighting a remarkable blend of ecclesiastical duty and athletic prowess during the Victorian era.

A Clergyman's Ascent to Wimbledon Glory

John Hartley's journey to tennis fame began well before his significant victories. Beyond the tennis courts, Hartley was a man of the cloth, serving as a curate in various parishes before assuming the role of vicar of Burneston, North Yorkshire, in 1891, a position he held until his death. This dual life as a devout clergyman and a top-tier athlete made his Wimbledon success particularly noteworthy and continues to fascinate sports historians and enthusiasts alike.

The Historic 1879 Victory

Hartley's inaugural Wimbledon triumph occurred on July 15, 1879, when he defeated the Irish champion, Vere St. Leger Goold, in the Gentlemen's Singles final. This challenging encounter concluded in three sets, securing Hartley's place as a Grand Slam champion. The victory was a testament to his skill and determination at a time when tennis was still solidifying its rules and evolving into the modern sport we recognize today.

Defending the Title in 1880

The following year, in 1880, Hartley successfully defended his Wimbledon title. Under the "Challenge Round" system then in place at Wimbledon – where the reigning champion only had to play one match against the winner of the All-Comers' tournament – Hartley faced Herbert Lawford. He emerged victorious with a compelling performance, winning 6–3, 6–2, 2–6, 6–3. This second consecutive win cemented his status as a dominant force in early lawn tennis.

The Shortest Wimbledon Final on Record

Hartley's quest for a third consecutive title in 1881 was met with unfortunate circumstances. In the Gentlemen's Singles final, he faced the formidable William Renshaw, who would go on to become one of Wimbledon's most dominant figures. Hartley succumbed to a decisive defeat, losing 0–6, 1–6, 1–6 in a mere 37 minutes. This match holds the distinction of being the shortest Wimbledon final ever recorded. Contemporary reports attributed Hartley's poor performance to a severe attack of what was then termed 'English cholera,' a debilitating condition characterized by acute gastroenteritis, which significantly impaired his ability to compete at his usual level.

Later Appearances and Enduring Legacy

Following his challenging 1881 final, Hartley did not participate in the 1882 championships, likely due to his recovery from illness. He made a final return to the Wimbledon courts in 1883, where his campaign ended in the second round, losing to Herbert Wilberforce in four sets. Despite this later loss, Hartley's legacy as a two-time champion and the only clergyman to win Wimbledon endured. His significant contribution to the sport was formally recognized in 1926 at the Golden Jubilee championships, celebrating 50 years of Wimbledon. During this special event, Queen Mary herself presented Hartley with a silver medal, acknowledging him as one of thirty-four surviving champions. This moment underscored his lasting impact on Wimbledon's storied history, securing his place as an iconic figure in early tennis.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rev. John Thorneycroft Hartley

Who was Rev. John Thorneycroft Hartley?

Rev. John Thorneycroft Hartley (1849–1935) was an English tennis player and an Anglican clergyman, notable for being the only vicar to ever win the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles title.

When did John Hartley win Wimbledon?

John Hartley won the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles title twice, in 1879 and 1880.

Who did Hartley defeat in his Wimbledon finals?

In 1879, he defeated Vere St. Leger Goold. In 1880, he defeated Herbert Lawford in the Challenge Round.

What is notable about the 1881 Wimbledon final featuring John Hartley?

The 1881 final, where Hartley lost to William Renshaw 0–6, 1–6, 1–6, lasted only 37 minutes, making it the shortest Wimbledon final on record. Hartley was reportedly suffering from 'English cholera' during the match.

What was the "Challenge Round" system in early Wimbledon?

The Challenge Round was a system where the defending champion only had to play one match – the final – against the winner of the All-Comers' tournament to retain their title. This system was in place at Wimbledon until 1922.

How was Hartley recognized later in his life?

In 1926, at Wimbledon's Golden Jubilee championships, Rev. John Hartley was presented with a silver medal by Queen Mary, acknowledging him as one of the surviving champions from the tournament's first 50 years.