The Championships, Wimbledon with the other three "Major or Grand Slam" events, Wimbledon was contested by top-ranked amateur players, professional players were prohibited from participating. This changed with the advent of the open era in 1968. No British man won the singles event at Wimbledon between Fred Perry in 1936 and Andy Murray in 2013, while no British woman has won since Virginia Wade in 1977, although Annabel Croft and Laura Robson won the Girls' Championship in 1984 and 2008 respectively. The Championship was first televised in 1937. Though properly called "The Championships, Wimbledon", depending on sources the event is also known as
1977 Wimbledon Championships – Women's Singles illness. She was replaced in the draw by Lucky Loser Chris O'Neil. 1977 Wimbledon Championships – Women's Singles Chris Evert was the defending champion, but lost in the semifinals to Virginia Wade. Wade defeated Betty Stöve in the final, 4–6, 6–3, 6–1 in the final to win the Ladies' Singles tennis title at the 1977 Wimbledon Championships. As of 2017 Wade remains the last British woman to win a Wimbledon singles title. This was the first time Wimbledon seeded more than 8 players for the ladies' championship, increasing the number (for this year only) to twelve players. The number increased