Richard Pancho Gonzalez Youth Tennis Foundation

In 2013, the Gonzalez Family was inspired by their family member, Richard Pancho Gonzalez, an American hero who fought his way through the tennis world with grit and passion. The family founded the Richard Pancho Gonzalez Youth Tennis Foundation with one of their primary goals being to share Pancho’s story of passion, perseverance and accomplishment with the youth of today in hopes of inspiring them to dream big dreams along the way.

Listen & Learn More About Pancho & the Foundation:

Pancho overcame difficult childhood circumstances and adversity to become the best tennis player in the world for a period spanning almost 10 years. His story is an inspiration for today’s youth to live a fulfilling life by pursuing their goals and dreams. The foundation will serve as a continuation of those efforts.

Born in Los Angeles to working-class Mexican immigrants, Richard “Pancho” Gonzalez was a self-taught tennis player who overcame many challenges, including racial discrimination, to become the best player in the world for a record 10 years. The first Hispanic-American superstar athlete, movie-star handsome Pancho was considered by some as the greatest and most charismatic tennis player of all-time.

Although Pancho was a good student, he spent more time on the tennis court than in class. Ultimately, he was banned from junior tournaments due to truancy.

After serving in the Navy, friends persuaded Pancho to give tennis another try. Within two years, and shocking the tennis world, he won the 1948 United States National Championships. The country-club elite didn’t appreciate a Mexican kid from the streets being champion and labeled the win a fluke. Determined, the following year Pancho defended his crown with a five-set win over Wimbledon Champ Ted Schroeder. With a wife and child, and one more on the way, Pancho turned pro.

Through relentless practice, Pancho eventually became the World’s Professional Champion. He also discovered another love: auto racing. He held drag racing records and, with his brother Ralph driving, won numerous titles.

Amazingly, Pancho won tennis tournaments well into his 40s, continually beating the best players in the world, some half his age. But Pancho always regretted not finishing school and eventually received his GED at 57. With all the championships and honors in his remarkable Hall of Fame career, Pancho might have been proudest that he had encouraged youth to complete their education.

Career Highlights

1948 – US National Championships (US Open), US Clay Courts
1949 – US National Championships, US Clay Courts, & US Indoors. First Player to hold all three titles on these three different surfaces in the same year.
1951-53 – Professional World Singles in Wembly, England (Tournament not played in 1954 & 1955)
1956 – Professional World Singles in Wembly, England
1964 Wins US Pro Indoor NY defeating Ken Rosewall in finals 5-7, 3-6, 10-8, 11-9, 8-6
1965 Wins Dallas CBS Championships defeating Ken Rosewall in finals.
1966 Wins Wembly Championships defeating Rod Laver in the finals 6-3, 5-7, 12-10
1968 Wins LA Open (LA Forum) defeating Laver in finals in 3 sets
1969 Wins Howard Hughes Open (most monetarily prestigious tournament) by defeating Arthur Ashe in the finals 6-0,6-2, 6-4
1970 Wins $10,000 winner take all match against Rod Laver before 15,000 fans at Madison Square Garden 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2
1970 Wins $10,000 winner take all match against John Newcombe 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
1970 Wins Howard Hughes Open defeating Rod Laver in finals 6-1, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3
1971 Wins LA Open defeating Jimmy Connors in the finals 6-2, 7-5
1972 At age 44, win Des Moines ATP tournament defeating Frenchman Georges Goven. He is the oldest player to win a professional tour championship (the record still stands).

Professional World Championships Tournament

1953 – Defeats Don Budge 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2
1954 – Defeats Frank Sedgman 6-3, 9-7, 3-6, 6-2
1955 – Defeats Pancho Segura 21-16, 19-21, 21-8, 20-22, 21-19
1956 – Defeats Pancho Segura 21-15, 13-21, 21-14, 22-20
1957 – Defeats Pancho Segura 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1
1958 – Defeats Lew Hoad 3-6, 4-6, 14-12, 6-1, 6-4
1959 – Defeats Lew Hoad 6-4, 6-2, 6-4
1961 – Defeats Frank Sedgman 6-3, 7-5