Wilding was a leading tennis player in the world during 1909–1914 and is considered a former world No. 1. Norman Brookes in 1950 compiled a ranking list of greatest tennis players and put Wilding fourth behind Bill Tilden and the Dohertys, and ahead of Budge, Kramer, Lacoste and Perry. Over his career he was popular amongst fans and players alike, being honest and professional, advising players to "e moderate in all things, especially in eating, smoking and drinking." His style was to play powershots from the baseline.