Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe was a professional American tennis player. He holds the distinction of being the first Black man to win the singles titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.

The largest tennis arena in the world, Arthur Ashe Stadium, is named in his honor. He was selected as the first Black player to join the United States Davis Cup team.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. was born on July 10, 1943, in Richmond, Virginia, United States. His mother passed away when he was six, and he was raised by his father, who was a strict disciplinarian. At age seven, Ashe began playing tennis, and his talent was quickly recognized.

He stands 185cm tall and he is right-handed with a one-handed backhand.

He was also an activist and humanitarian. In October 1976, he met photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy, and they married the following year on February 20, 1977. They adopted a daughter, Camera, in December 1986.

In April 1992, Ashe publicly announced he had contracted HIV, which was believed to have come from a blood transfusion. He passed away from AIDS-related pneumonia on February 6, 1993, at age 49.

Professional Career

Ashe turned professional in 1969. He won three Grand Slam titles in singles, taking the US Open in 1968, the Australian Open in 1970, and Wimbledon in 1975.

He also secured two Grand Slam titles in doubles, winning the French Open in 1971 and the Australian Open in 1977. In the ATP computer rankings, he achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in May 1976. Ashe won 87 career titles and was a member of the victorious U.S. Davis Cup team for three consecutive years from 1968 to 1970.

He officially retired from the sport in 1980.

Legacy

Ashe remains the only black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, or the Australian Open.

He was one of only two men of black African ancestry to win any Grand Slam singles title. After his death, the city of Richmond honored his life with a statue on Monument Avenue.

The Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main court for the US Open, is named in his honor. The ESPY Awards hand out the Arthur Ashe for Courage Award to a member of the sports world who best exhibits courage in the face of adversity.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 1188–371
• Career titles: 87
• Highest ranking: No. 2 (May 10, 1976)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open: W (1970)
• French Open: QF (1970, 1971)
• Wimbledon: W (1975)
• US Open: W (1968)

Doubles

• Career record: 323–176
• Career titles: 18
• Highest ranking: No. 15 (August 30, 1977)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open: W (1977)
• French Open: W (1971)
• Wimbledon: F (1971)
• US Open: F (1968)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup: W (1963, 1968, 1969, 1970)