On the first day of the 1968 All England Championships at Wimbledon, Rod Laver headed to the grounds dressed for the occasion—complete with his well-preserved purple and green Wimbledon tie. Laver was returning to the home of tennis after six years, not as an ostracized pro but as a two-time champion and top seed. That English summer, 50 years ago, marked the first time that The Championships would be truly “open”. Professionals would now compete with amateurs on equal terms.

On the first day of the 1968 All England Championships at Wimbledon, Rod Laver headed to the grounds dressed for the occasion—complete with his well-preserved purple and green Wimbledon tie. Laver was returning to the home of tennis after six years, not as an ostracized pro but as a two-time champion and top seed. That English summer, 50 years ago, marked the first time that The Championships would be truly “open”. Professionals would now compete with amateurs on equal terms.