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Wimbledon Finalist Turned Murderer
From Wimbledon to Wanted- The Unbelievable Turn of A Tennis Star’s Descent into Crime and Notoriety.
Vere St. Leger Goold, born October 2, 1853, emerged from a wealthy Irish aristocratic family. His early life was marked by a talent for athletic pursuits, including boxing, but it was in tennis where he found his true calling. The game of lawn tennis gained popularity among the English nobility in the 1870s. It captivated Goold, leading him to shift his focus from boxing to the tennis court.
This move proved successful when Goold won the inaugural Irish Lawn Tennis Championship in the summer of 1879. Emboldened by this success, Goold crossed the sea to England, setting his sights on the Wimbledon Championship. Founded in 1877, Wimbledon was already a prestigious event, epitomizing the grace and style of British sport.
At Wimbledon, Goold’s performance was impressive. He advanced to the final, only dropping two sets along the way. Known for his powerful backhand and aggressive playstyle, Goold often charged the net. This strategy distinguished him from his contemporaries, who preferred playing from the baseline. His approach to the game was bold and unconventional, earning him recognition and respect in the tennis community.
