ARTICLE
from the
Encyclopædia Britannica
Pancho Gonzales, byname of Richard Alonzo Gonzales, Gonzales also spelled Gonzalez
(born May 9, 1928, Los Angeles, Calif., U.S.—died July 3, 1995, Las Vegas, Nev.), American tennis player who won the U.S. professional championship in men’s singles eight times, seven consecutively (1953–59, 1961).
Born into a Mexican American family, Gonzales as a youth had no access to tennis clubs and was largely a self-taught player. In 1943 he achieved top ranking in boys’ tennis in southern California. Before turning professional in 1949, he won six major amateur championships: United States Lawn Tennis Association singles (1948–49), U.S. clay-court singles (1948–49), U.S. indoor singles (1949), and U.S. indoor mixed doubles (1949, with Gussie Moran). His speed, agility, and aggressive play, which was complemented by colourful and outspoken behaviour, won him a large following. In addition to his eight singles titles, Gonzales as a professional won the U.S. men’s doubles championship five times (1953–54, 1957–58, and 1969, with various partners). In 1969, at age 41, he defeated Charlie Pasarell in a 112-game match that was the longest in the history of the Wimbledon tournament.
Aspects of the topic Pancho Gonzales are discussed in the following places at Britannica.
Assorted References
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association with Hoad (in Lew Hoad (Australian tennis player))
In 1957 Hoad won the Wimbledon singles again and shortly thereafter became a professional, joining Pancho Gonzales on tour. Hoad’s style of play caused him back problems, however, which shortened his career in the 1960s. He returned briefly to tournament play in the early 1970s, but with little success.
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Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
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Pancho Gonzales - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
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(1928-95). After turning professional in 1949, U.S. tennis player Pancho Gonzales dominated the touring circuit. Born Richard Alonzo Gonzales in Los Angeles, Calif., he won the the United States national singles championship in 1948 and 1949. He went on to win the United States professional singles title eight times (1953-59, 1961). In 1969, at age 41, he defeated Charlie Pasarell in the longest singles match ever played at Wimbledon-112 games that lasted 5 hours, 12 minutes over two days.
The topic Pancho Gonzales is discussed at the following external Web sites.
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Hickoksports.com - Biography of Pancho Gonzales
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Fact Monster - People - Biography of Pancho Gonzales