When rain interrupted play on Centre Court on 3 July with a crowd that included Prince Michael of Kent, Princess Michael of Kent and actress Joanna Lumley,[3]Cliff Richard, who was watching from the royal box, was approached by court officials for an interview. They suggested that he sing a song or two to entertain the crowd.[4] With approval from his PR manager Richard proceeded to give an impromptu performance, starting with "Summer Holiday".[5]
Richard was not aware that his performance was televised by the BBC, and after six songs presenter Des Lynam jokingly claimed "we'll probably get one hell of a bill." The performance made the front pages in many major British newspapers on the following day. Since a retractable roof was completed on Centre Court in 2009 such a performance is unlikely to happen again.[6]
During the entrance of the court staff for the Men's Singles final, the court was briefly invaded by a streaker.[7]
Prize moneyedit
The total prize money for 1996 championships was £6,465,910. The winner of the men's title earned £392,500 while the women's singles champion earned £353,000.[8][9]
It was Krajicek's 1st and only career Grand Slam singles title. He became the first Dutchman to win a Grand Slam singles title and the first Dutch singles winner since Kea Bouman in 1926.
It was Woodbridge's 10th career Grand Slam title and his 5th Wimbledon title. It was Woodforde's 11th career Grand Slam title and his 4th Wimbledon title.
It was Suk's 3rd career Grand Slam mixed doubles title and his 2nd title at Wimbledon. It was Suková's 4th career Grand Slam mixed doubles title and her 2nd title at Wimbledon.
^Collins, Bud (2010). The Bud Collins History of Tennis (2nd ed.). [New York]: New Chapter Press. ISBN 978-0942257700.
^Barrett, John (2001). Wimbledon : The Official History of the Championships. London: CollinsWillow. ISBN 0007117078.
^ abSmith, Aiden (18 July 2004). "Sir Cliff's Wimbledon singalong was all a PR stunt". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 2 July 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
^"True Or False". cliffrichard.org. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
^ abc"3 July 1996: Cliff Richard sings at Wimbledon". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
^Gibson, Owen (22 April 2009). "Centre Court at Wimbledon has it covered after years of rain". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
^Williams, Richard (19 June 2009). "The magic of Wimbledon". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
^Little, Alan (2013). Wimbledon Compendium 2013 (23 ed.). London: All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. pp. 327–334. ISBN 978-1899039401.
^"About Wimbledon – Prize Money and Finance". wimbledon.com. Wimbledon Championships. Retrieved 8 October 2017.