Doubles, Men

By 1908 there was no dominant doubles team in England or world tennis. The Doherty brothers, Reggie and Laurie, had been the top pair, winning eight Wimbledon titles from 1897-1905. But Laurie retired in 1906 because of health problems. However Reggie played on, partnering various players, and with George Hillyard, they won the 1908 Olympic doubles. In addition to his doubles titles with his brother, Reggie Doherty won the Wimbledon singles in 1897-1900. He played eight Davis Cup rubbers, losing only one match, and that against the top American of the era, Bill Larned.

George Hillyard was Secretary of the All-England Club for 17 years, 1907-1924, and was married to the great British female player, Blanche Bingley. At 44 years of age, he was beyond his prime at the 1908 Olympics. He had won the British covered court doubles in 1890-91 with Harry Scrivener and again in 1904-05 with Laurie Doherty. He was German singles champion in 1897 and 1900. He was also quite accomplished at cricket and golf. Together, Hillyard and Reggie Doherty also won the 1909 South African doubles, their only other title together.