Tennis: Five most unexpected Grand Slam finals in the Open Era

Richard Krajicek holds the men’s singles trophy after defeating Malivai Washington in straight sets in the final of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club in London, England in 1996. (Getty Images)

2. Richard Krajicek (NED) beat MaliVai Washington (US) 6-3 6-4 6-3, Wimbledon 1996

Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Becker, Michael Stich; the list of names that participated at the event and yet it was a final played between to unseeded players. Richard Krajicek was the heavy favourite to win the final in spite of MaliVai Washington’s heroic rampage to the final.

Washington, the first black man to reach a Wimbledon final since Arthur Ashe in 1975, was the underdog that the crowds at Wimbledon love. He scraped through a number of five setters before the final only to succumb to Krajicek in three straight sets.

Krajicek, on the other hand, defeated defending champion Sampras that year; the only loss Sampras suffered at Wimbledon from 1993 to 2000.

This edition of Wimbledon would not only be remembered for this unexpected final but also for the impromptu singing performances that were spurred by many rain interruptions and Wimbledon’s first streaker (yes, you might want to Google that).