In 1973, Wimbledon was rocked by a mass boycott as 81 of the world's top tennis players refused to participate, leaving the tournament a shadow of its usual strength. The dispute centered on Yugoslavian player Nikola Pilic, who was banned by his national federation for refusing to play in a Davis Cup tie, a ban upheld by the International Lawn Tennis Federation (now the ITF). The ban coincided with Wimbledon, ruling Pilic out of the event.
ATP Backs Boycott After Deadlocked Vote
The newly formed players' union, the ATP, threatened a boycott in support of Pilic. Its board, including Stan Smith, Arthur Ashe, Jim McManus, Britons Mark Cox and John Barrett, chief executive Jack Kramer, and president Cliff Drysdale, met at a Mayfair hotel just 24 hours before the Wimbledon draw. Cox and Barrett voted against a boycott, while Smith also opposed it. Ashe, McManus, and Kramer were in favor. With Drysdale's casting vote, he abstained, resulting in a 3-3 deadlock, which under ATP rules was enough to pass the boycott motion.
Draw Scrapped, Fresh Entry List Compiled
Wimbledon's chief referee, Mike Gibson, was informed after the draw had already taken place. The draw was scrapped, and organizers hastily compiled a new entry list, largely from European players whose national federations prevented ATP membership. Among them was a 17-year-old Bjorn Borg, who would later win five Wimbledon titles. Three ATP members defied the boycott: British number one Roger Taylor, Romanian Ilie Nastase, and Australian Ray Kelbie, who cited financial pressures.
Taylor's Dilemma and Tournament Outcome
Taylor faced immense pressure; his father, a union man, urged him not to play, but media pressure to compete in his home tournament proved overwhelming. His decision made him unpopular among fellow players. Czech player Jan Kodes won the title, defeating Russia's Alex Metreveli in straight sets. Taylor beat Borg in the quarter-finals but lost to Kodes in the semi-finals.
