The popularity of Wimbledon increased rapidly in the mid-1880s with the British Twins, Wenest and William Renshaw who won 13 titles between 1881 and 1889. This period was known as the ‘Renshaw Rush’.

The Prince of Wales first attended the Championships in 1907. He became the President of the Club that same year and British Royalty has been involved with Wimbledon ever since.

In 1922, the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club moved to Church Road. Because the new larger stadium, inaugurated by King George V and Queen Mary, the popularity dramatically increased the popularity of tennis. In 1929, Prince George became President of the Club and in 1942, his wife the Duchess of Kent succeeded in this post when he died.

During World War II, the Club was used for various military functions. In 1940, the Centre Court was struck by a bomb which destroyed 1,200 seats. In 1946, the Championship resumed and by 1949 the grounds were fully rebuilt.

In 1968, the first "open" Championships were held and both amateurs and professionals were welcomed. Rod Laver and Billie Jean King were the first Wimbledon Champions of the "open era". In 1969, the present Duke of Kent succeeded to his mother to the post of President of the Club, and continued the association between the Kent family and the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club.

The Wimbledon Championships have grown to become one of the world’s top sporting events. The 1998 Wimbledon Championships offered $27,590 in prize money.