LONDON — Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool made history at Wimbledon 2024 by becoming the first all-British pair in 89 years to win the men's doubles title, yet their celebrations couldn’t have been more different.
The duo’s triumph ended an 89-year drought for British men’s doubles champions at the All England Club, with the last home victory dating back to 1935 when Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey lifted the trophy. Their 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over the seasoned pairing of Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury was met with roaring applause from a packed Centre Court crowd, but the two Brits processed the moment in starkly contrasting ways.
Glasspool’s Emotional Outburst
Glasspool, the more expressive of the two, collapsed to the grass in tears after Salisbury’s final return sailed long. The 30-year-old, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, punched the air repeatedly before embracing Cash, his voice cracking in his post-match interview: "This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. To do it here, at Wimbledon, with Jules… it’s surreal."
His celebration continued late into the night, with Glasspool spotted at the Champions’ Dinner raising a glass to the crowd and later sharing an emotional FaceTime call with his family. "I just couldn’t stop smiling," he admitted the next day.
Cash’s Understated Reaction
In contrast, Cash, 27, remained characteristically composed. After a brief hug with Glasspool, he calmly shook hands with the umpire and opponents before packing his bag with the same methodical precision he displays on court. "I’m not one for big celebrations," he later told the BBC. "For me, it’s about the work we put in. The win is the reward."
While Glasspool partied, Cash opted for a quiet dinner with his coaching team, reflecting on the journey. "I’ll probably just watch the match back and take notes," he quipped.
The Road to Victory
Their contrasting personalities proved to be their greatest strength throughout the tournament. Glasspool’s aggressive net play and Cash’s relentless baseline consistency left opponents scrambling. Key moments included:
- A stunning comeback from 1-4 down in the third set against the No. 3 seeds in the quarterfinals
- Saving three match points in the semifinals against a fancied French pair
- Dominating the tiebreak in the final with a series of unreturnable serves
Breaking the 89-Year Curse
The weight of history wasn’t lost on them. "We knew the stat," Glasspool said. "But we tried not to think about it. Jules kept saying, ‘Just play the ball, not the occasion.’" Their victory sparked celebrations across British tennis, with former champions like Jamie Murray and Tim Henman praising their composure under pressure.
What’s Next for the Pair?
Despite their different celebrations, both share the same goal: climbing the rankings. "This is just the start," Cash insisted. With the Olympics and US Open ahead, their partnership shows no signs of slowing down.
As for their next celebration? Glasspool laughed: "Maybe I’ll drag Jules out for one drink. Just one." Cash, ever the pragmatist, simply smiled and shook his head.
Their historic win not only ended a near-century wait but also highlighted how two contrasting personalities can unite to achieve greatness. Whether through tears or quiet reflection, Glasspool and Cash have cemented their place in Wimbledon folklore.