Willoughby Hamilton facts for kids
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| Full name | James Willoughby Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 December 1864 Monasterevin, County Kildare, Ireland |
| Died | 27 September 1943 (aged 78) Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Turned pro | 1884 (amateur) |
| Retired | 1899 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 79–13 (85.8%) |
| Career titles | 29 |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Wimbledon | W (1890) |
Willoughby Hamilton (born as James Willoughby Hamilton; 9 December 1864 – 27 September 1943) was an amazing Irish athlete. He was known as a top tennis player, a footballer, and even an international badminton player. Some people considered him one of the best tennis players in the world during his time.
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Willoughby Hamilton's Tennis Career
Willoughby Hamilton started his tennis journey in 1884 at the Irish Championships. He quickly showed his talent, reaching the quarter-finals in his very first tournament.
Major Tennis Wins and Achievements
Hamilton won several important tennis titles. He won the Northern Championships twice, in 1888 and 1889. He also won the Irish Championships in 1889. In that tournament, he beat William Renshaw, who had won Wimbledon six times! This big win made Hamilton a favorite for the 1889 Wimbledon title. However, he lost a tough match in the semi-finals.
For a couple of years, from 1889 to 1890, many experts believed Hamilton was the best tennis player in the world.
Winning Wimbledon in 1890
Willoughby Hamilton achieved his biggest dream in 1890 when he won the Gentlemen's Singles title at the Wimbledon Championships. He defeated William Renshaw in a thrilling five-set match. This made him the very first Irish player to ever win the Wimbledon men's singles title!
After his big win, Hamilton did not play to defend his Wimbledon title in 1891. He played his last tournament in 1899 at the Netherlands International Championships.
Other Tennis Titles
Hamilton won many other tennis tournaments throughout his career. He won the Fitzwilliam Club Championships five times between 1886 and 1890. He also won the East of Ireland Championships four times and the Welsh Championships three times. His other wins include the West of Ireland Championships and the South of Ireland Championships.
He was given the nickname "The Ghost" because he had a very pale complexion.
Willoughby Hamilton's Football Career
Besides tennis, Willoughby Hamilton was also a talented footballer. He studied at Trinity College Dublin and played for two football teams there: Dublin University A.F.C. and Dublin Association F.C..
In 1885, Hamilton even played for the Irish national team in a game against Wales. His brother, William Hamilton, was also on the team.
Willoughby Hamilton's Family and Early Life
Willoughby Hamilton was born on December 9, 1864, in Monasterevin, County Kildare, Ireland. His father, Alfred Hamilton, was a rector (a type of church leader).
Willoughby came from a very sporty family! Three of his brothers were also excellent athletes:
- William Drummond Hamilton played both cricket and tennis for Ireland.
- Francis Cole Lowry Hamilton played cricket for Ireland.
- Blayney Hamilton represented Ireland in both cricket and badminton.
Even his nephews and nieces, who were Blayney's children, became international badminton players. These included Arthur Hamilton, Willoughby Hamilton (who was named after him), and Mavis Hamilton.
Willoughby Hamilton passed away in Dublin on September 27, 1943, when he was 78 years old.
Images for kids
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Willoughby Hamilton, a top Irish athlete
