Richard Krajicek defeated MaliVai Washington in the final, 6–3, 6–4, 6–3 to win the gentlemen's singles tennis title at the 1996 Wimbledon Championships.

Washington was the first Black major finalist since Yannick Noah at the 1983 French Open, and the first at Wimbledon since Arthur Ashe in 1975.

An unusual number of top seeds were eliminated early, including 1992 champion Andre Agassi (No.

Three-time champion Boris Becker, seeded second, was eliminated in the third round when he withdrew with a wrist injury.

His spot was replaced in the draw by the highest-ranked non-seeded player Richard Krajicek, who was made a seed without being numbered.