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Sweden's Stefan Edberg was one of the greatest serve volleyers in the history of tennis. Born in 1966, Edberg was known for his kick serve, aggressive play, balletic feet and brilliant backhand. He was equally well known for his calm demeanour and sportmanship. He was the true epitomy of the tennis gentleman. But beneath the calm exterior lay a passionate competitor who won six Grand Slam titles and was year end number one in 1990 and 1991.
Edberg was a persistent threat at Wimbledon in the late 80's and early 90's. Between 1987 and 1993, he reached the semi final stage or better in six out of seven years, becoming champion in 1988 and 1990.
After some poor performances in his early appearances at Wimbledon, Edberg reached the semi finals in 1987, where he lost to world number 1 Ivan Lendl. He won his first Wimbledon title in 1988, coming from behind to beat Miloslav Mecir in the semi finals, before overcoming his great rival Boris Becker in the final in a rain delayed match that ended on Monday.
In 1989, Edberg again faced his nemesis Becker in the final, but Becker routed him in straight sets to reclaim his crown. In 1990 Edberg faced Becker in their third successive final. Edberg got off to a great start and led by two sets to love, before Becker roused himself and won the next two sets with some brilliant play. In the final set Becker had a winning lead but Edberg somehow regained the advantage to clinch his second Wimbledon.
In 1991 as defending champion, Edberg lost a four set semi final to eventual champion Michael Stich in a bizarre result. Edberg won the first set but the lost the next three on tiebreaks. The bizarreness? Edberg surrendered his crown despite never losing serve throughout the match. In 1992, Edberg lost in the quarter final in five sets to eventual finalist Goran Ivanisevic. In his last appearance in the semi finals in 1993, Edberg lost to Jim Courier in four sets.
His final years at Wimbledon were uninspiring by Edberg's great standards, as he never advanced beyond the second round. He retired from professional tennis in 1996.