Jun 24, 2002 CE
Tournament Begins
The 2002 Wimbledon Championships commenced on June 24, 2002, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. Top seeds included Lleyton Hewitt and Venus Williams.
Chronological Storyline (8 Milestones)
Jun 26, 2002 CE
Pete Sampras Upset in Second Round
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras was stunned in the second round by Swiss qualifier George Bastl, losing 6–3, 6–2, 4–6, 3–6, 6–4 on Court 2, famously known as the 'Graveyard of Champions.' Sampras had won four of the previous five Wimbledon titles.
Jun 27, 2002 CE
Andre Agassi Eliminated in Second Round
Third seed Andre Agassi was upset in the second round by Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, who won 6–4, 7–6, 6–2. This marked another major upset in a tournament that saw many top seeds fall early.
Jul 4, 2002 CE
Williams Sisters Set Up All-Family Final
Serena Williams defeated Amélie Mauresmo in the semifinals, while Venus Williams defeated Justine Henin in the other semifinal, setting up the third consecutive Grand Slam final between the two sisters.
Jul 4, 2002 CE
Men's Semifinals Set
Lleyton Hewitt defeated Tim Henman in the semifinals, ending British hopes of a home champion. In the other semifinal, David Nalbandian defeated Xavier Malisse, making Nalbandian the first Argentine man to reach a Wimbledon singles final.
Jul 6, 2002 CE
Serena Williams Wins First Wimbledon Title
Serena Williams defeated her sister and two-time defending champion Venus Williams 7–6(7–4), 6–3 in the women's singles final to claim her first Wimbledon title and third Grand Slam singles title overall. This victory began Serena's dominance at the All England Club.
Jul 7, 2002 CE
Tournament Concludes
The 2002 Wimbledon Championships concluded on July 7, 2002. The tournament was notable for the changing of the guard in men's tennis, as neither Sampras nor Agassi reached the second week, signaling the emergence of a new generation led by Hewitt.
Jul 7, 2002 CE
Lleyton Hewitt Wins Men's Singles Title
Top seed Lleyton Hewitt defeated David Nalbandian 6–1, 6–3, 6–2 in the men's singles final to win his first Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam title. Hewitt dominated the match, which lasted only 1 hour and 56 minutes, securing the championship without dropping a set in the final.