Stefan Edberg defeated Boris Becker in the final, 4–6, 7–6(7–2), 6–4, 6–2 to win the gentlemen's singles tennis title at the 1988 Wimbledon Championships.

On Sunday, Becker and Edberg only managed 22 minutes of constantly interrupted play due to rain, with Edberg leading 3–2 in the first set before the rest of the final was played the next day.

[1] Pat Cash was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Becker.

Reigning Australian Open and French Open champion Mats Wilander attempted to become the first man to achieve the Surface Slam (winning majors on hard court, clay and grass in the same calendar year).

Three-time champion John McEnroe competed for the first time since 1985, losing in the second round to Wally Masur.