Virginia Wade

Virginia Wade – Only British Woman to Have Won Titles at All Four Grand Slam Tournaments

Virginia Wade is a true icon of British sport and one of the most successful female tennis players in history. She remains the only British woman to have captured titles at all four Grand Slam tournaments, including her unforgettable Wimbledon victory in 1977 during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. Over her illustrious career, she won three Grand Slam singles and four doubles crowns, achieving World No. 2 in singles and World No. 1 in doubles. Today, Virginia inspires global audiences as a keynote and after-dinner speaker, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, performance, and sporting legacy.

Credentials and Impact

Virginia’s impact on tennis and British sport has spanned decades. In 1973, she was appointed MBE in recognition of her early achievements, followed by promotion to OBE in 1986. Three years later, in 1989, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, cementing her global status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

In 1982, Virginia broke new ground as the first woman elected to the Wimbledon Committee, contributing to the governance and development of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament. Her expertise continued to shape the sport as she took on advisory and honorary positions, helping advance opportunities for women in sport and providing leadership within high-performance organisations.

Parallel to her governance work, she established a distinguished broadcasting career. Beginning with Wimbledon coverage for the BBC, Virginia became one of the most authoritative commentators in the game, later adding roles with Eurosport and other international networks. Her insightful analysis and engaging delivery have made her a trusted voice for generations of tennis fans.

Most recently, in 2025, Virginia was elevated to CBE for services to lawn tennis and charity, a fitting recognition of her lifelong dedication to excellence, leadership, and influence beyond the court.

Publications and Media

Virginia’s legacy extends into film and television. She is featured in the Channel 5 documentary When Virginia Wade Won Wimbledon, which celebrates her iconic 1977 victory and includes insights from Wade herself and peers such as Billie Jean King. Earlier, she was the subject of This Is Your Life in December 1977. Her voice and presence also continue to resonate through interviews, documentaries, and elite tennis broadcasts.

Why Book Virginia?

Booking Virginia Wade means inviting one of Britain’s greatest sporting icons to inspire, motivate, and entertain. Her story of determination, resilience, and triumph on the global stage resonates across audiences, whether in sport, business, or education. She brings her legacy to life with authenticity, humour, and powerful storytelling that leaves a lasting impression on every audience.

As a speaker, Virginia draws on decades of experience in elite performance, broadcasting, and leadership. She addresses themes of perseverance under pressure, adapting to change, and breaking barriers, offering lessons relevant to leaders and teams alike. Having spoken at high-profile events across the world, she connects past achievements to present-day challenges with warmth and clarity. Her ability to combine sporting insight with universal messages makes her an unforgettable choice for keynote speeches, conferences, and after-dinner events.

To book Virginia to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry