Richard Williams

Richard Norris Williams II was one of the outstanding players of tennis during his time. He was born on January 29, 1891 with American parents in Geneva, Switzerland. Williams was known as “Dick” among people close to his heart. He left for the United States in 1912 on board the S.S Titanic that we all know, sunk from striking an iceberg. He survived, fortunately, and months later he played for the U.S. Championship but lost the game against Maurice McLoughlin.

Williams learned to play tennis in Switzerland. He was a tough right-hander using the continental grip and hitting groundstrokes with his under spin. Starting the year of 1913, he played on five winning teams of the Davis Cup. He developed his style of playing at the Harvard University undergraduate and he then won the intercollegiate championship in 1913 and 1915. In 1914, he won against McLoughlin on the new championship court at the Casino. After two years, he again won the U.S. title over Bill Johnston and got the number one ranking. He played in Wimbledon in 1920 with Chuck Garland that marked his numerous doubles titles. Williams also experienced wartime combat service in France with the army, making him captain on six Cup winners from 1921-26 including the 1934 team. He also had triumphs as a doubles player four of the Cup-keeping years. Williams was amused about his 1924 Olympic gold medal alongside Hazel Wightman. That time, he had a sprained ankle but still Wightman was fair enough to let Williams stay at the net. He continued his career in the U.S. Championship until 1935.

Williams drives were his bold style of hitting, striking every ball without impossibilities and his daring fashion. He made his way to the World Top Ten in 1916 as No. 1 and climbed up to the Hall of Fame. He died in Bryn Mawr, PA, June 12, 1968.