Winning the Wimbledon singles championship in 1920, William Tatem Tilden II became the first American man to secure the title. Known as Big Bill, he maintained a dominant hold on international tennis throughout the early 1920s, securing the world number one amateur ranking for six consecutive years between 1920 and 1925 before transitioning to a successful professional career.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 10, 1893, in Germantown, Philadelphia, Tilden came from a wealthy family. His father, William Tatem Tilden, was a local politician and wool merchant, while his mother, Selina Hey, was a pianist. He experienced significant family losses early in life, including the death of his mother and father. Tilden attended Germantown Academy and later enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, joining Delta Kappa Epsilon, and Peirce College, though he did not complete a degree.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Rise in Amateur Tennis
Tilden began playing tennis at age six or seven at his family's summer home in the Catskill Mountains. His rise was not immediate; he was not a standout player at university. In 1910, he began rigorous practice against a backboard. By 1913, he secured his first national title, winning the mixed doubles championships with Mary Browne. After refining his backhand in Rhode Island during the winter of 1919-1920, he entered a period of unprecedented success, winning seven U.S. Championship singles titles.
Professional Transition
Tilden turned professional on December 31, 1930, to address financial needs. He spent the next 15 years barnstorming across the United States and Europe. Despite facing younger rivals such as Ellsworth Vines, Fred Perry, and Don Budge, Tilden remained a major box-office attraction. He secured professional rankings as world number one in 1931 and 1932 according to Ray Bowers, and again in 1933 according to Ellsworth Vines.
Later Years and Legacy
Throughout his career, Tilden won 14 major singles titles, including 10 Grand Slam events and three professional majors. His professional tenure included a victory at the inaugural U.S. National Indoor Professional Championships in 1931 against Vincent Richards. Tilden died on June 5, 1953, in Los Angeles and was buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1959.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 February 1893, Germantown
- Died: 5 June 1953, Los Angeles
- Primary Occupations: Tennis player, tennis coach
- Total Major singles titles: 14
- International Tennis Hall of Fame induction: 1959
- Burial site: Ivy Hill Cemetery
- Education: Peirce College, University of Pennsylvania
Questions readers ask
How many U.S. Championship singles titles did Tilden win?
He won seven, a joint-record shared with Richard Sears and Bill Larned.
When did Tilden become a professional player?
He turned professional at the end of 1930, specifically on December 31.
