Melissa Johnson, a waitress working at a Wimbledon pizza stall, became infamous for streaking during the 1996 Wimbledon men's final between Richard Krajicek and MaliVai Washington. The incident occurred on Centre Court, leaving spectators and players alike stunned.
Distraction on Centre Court
Johnson stripped down to only her waitress apron and ran across the court. The sight proved too distracting for American player MaliVai Washington, who later quipped: "I saw these things wobbling around and, jeez, she smiled at me. I got flustered and three sets later I was gone." Washington lost the match 6–3, 6–4, 6–3 to Dutch player Richard Krajicek.
Reaction and Aftermath
The streaking incident drew laughter from the crowd, including the Duke and Duchess of Kent. Johnson later confessed: "I'm a naughty girl - and I've got a wild streak in me. I just said to the people I was working with, 'I'm going to do it, I am going to get my kit off'." She added that her employers demanded her apron back immediately, effectively firing her. "But my employers were very po-faced. They demanded my pinny back immediately. I suppose that means I have got the sack," she said.
Johnson claimed the streaking was her own idea: "It was my suggestion entirely. I did it for a bit of a laugh, although I was encouraged by all the others. I am a bit of a naughty girl and I definitely have a wild streak in me. I knew it had never been done before - and it had to be done, really, didn't it?"
Historical Context
Johnson's streaking was unprecedented at Wimbledon, known for its refined atmosphere. No one had attempted such an X-rated act in the tournament's history. Johnson faced no legal repercussions, but lost her job at the pizza stall. Krajicek, initially unseeded, won his first and only major singles title after replacing seventh seed Thomas Muster.
