Richard Gonzales: 1928-1995: Tennis Player Biography - Accidentally Discovered Tennis Talent, Became Self-taught Tennis Champion, Turned Professional, Made Mark On Open-era Tennis (original) (raw)

Richard Gonzales: 1928-1995: Tennis player.

Richard "Pancho" Gonzales was known as the greatest male tennis player to never win Wimbledon. A self-taught tennis player, Gonzales became a champion at the age of 20. After winning the United States National Championship two years in a row, Gonzales turned professional. During this time the great tennis tournaments like Wimbledon did not allow professional players to compete. When Wimbledon finally became an open tournament, Gonzales was past his prime. Gonzales was known not only for his incredible serve and volley game, but also for his hot temper and fierce competitive spirit.