Richard “Pancho” Gonzalez would have been 82 years old on Sunday, May 9, if he was still with us. Here’s his biography as it appears in my book THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($35.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com) Very much his own man, a loner and an acerbic competitor, Richard “Pancho” Alonzo Gonzalez was probably as good as anyone who ever played the … [Read more...] about REMEMBERING PANCHO GONZALEZ
Misc. Articles
ANDRE AGASSI TURNS 40
Birthday huzzahs to Andre Agassi, who turns 40 on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Here’s my summary of his life and career in this excerpt from my book “THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS” ($35.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com) A player of irresistible flair, appeal and shot-making ability since appearing on the professional landscape as a 16-year-old in 1986, … [Read more...] about ANDRE AGASSI TURNS 40
TOURNAMENTS (WRAP UP OF DECADE)…..
All right, so it’s time again to look backwards. This happens every 10 years as selections of the best matches (best- remembered anyway) of the decade crop up. I’ve decided on a selection of men’s and women’s matches – only ones I’ve attended. Whatever the reasons, they splash about in my neural mush. You, of course, may respond, “Hey, idiot — how come … [Read more...] about TOURNAMENTS (WRAP UP OF DECADE)…..
ALLEZ JUSTINE HENIN!
On May 14, 2008, Justine Henin stunningly announced her retirement from professional tennis at age 25. She was the first current No. 1 player to ever walk away from the game. Now, she is back. After a year away from the game, and perhaps inspired by her fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters successful comeback to tennis after marriage and motherhood (winning a second major at the 2009 … [Read more...] about ALLEZ JUSTINE HENIN!
CHRISSIE EVERT TURNS 55
Christine Marie Evert turns 55 on December 21, 2009. Upon turning 18 years old in 1972, she officially turned professional, saying “I’ll miss the senior prom, but it will be worth it. I think I am ready to play tennis for money….I’m eager not only to become a pro, but to get out of school.” Here’s her profile as seen in THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($34.95, New Chapter … [Read more...] about CHRISSIE EVERT TURNS 55