Pancho Gonzales
American tennis player (1928–1995) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ricardo Alonso "Pancho" González (May 9, 1928 – July 3, 1995), known sometimes as Richard Gonzales, was an American tennis player. He won 15 major singles titles, including two U.S. National Singles Championships in 1948 and 1949, and 13 Professional Grand Slam titles. He also won three Tournament of Champions professional events in 1957, 1958, and 1959. He was ranked world amateur No. 1 in 1948 by Ned Potter[2] and in 1949 by Potter [3] and John Olliff.[4]
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Full name | Ricardo Alonso González |
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Country (sports) | United States |
Born | (1928-05-09)May 9, 1928 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Died | July 3, 1995(1995-07-03) (aged 67) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
Turned pro | 1949 |
Retired | 1974 |
Plays | Right-handed (one-handed backhand) |
Int. Tennis HoF | 1968 (member page) |
Singles | |
Career record | 1368–652 (67.7%)[1] |
Career titles | 111[1] |
Highest ranking | No. 1 (1948, Ned Potter[2]) |
Grand Slam singles results | |
Australian Open | 3R (1969) |
French Open | SF (1949, 1968) |
Wimbledon | 4R (1949, 1969) |
US Open | W (1948, 1949) |
Other tournaments | |
Professional majors | |
US Pro | W (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961) |
Wembley Pro | W (1950, 1951, 1952, 1956) |
French Pro | F (1956, 1961) |
Other pro events | |
TOC | W (1957FH, 1958FH, 1959AU) |
Doubles | |
Career record | 43–30 |
Grand Slam doubles results | |
French Open | W (1949) |
Wimbledon | W (1949) |
Grand Slam mixed doubles results | |
Wimbledon | QF (1968) |
Gonzales was a prominent professional champion in the 1950s and 1960s, winning world professional championship tours between 1954 and 1961; he was the world number one ranked male tennis player professional between 1952 and 1961.[5] Gonzales was a determined competitor with a fierce temper. He was often at odds with officials and promoters. However, he was a fan favorite who drew many spectators.[6]