Contents
Althea Gibson
Breaking tennis’s racial barriers while winning five major singles titles.
French champion · Wimbledon titles
- Born
- 25 August 1927
- Birthplace
- Silver, United States
- Died
- 28 September 2003
More people
Althea Gibson
American tennis champion who won at the French Championships, Wimbledon and the US Nationals. She later became the first Black player on the LPGA Tour.
Early life
Harlem childhood
Grew up in Harlem and first excelled at paddle tennis.
Supported by mentors
Doctors Hubert Eaton and Robert Walter Johnson helped fund her tennis development and education.
Career
- 1950
US Nationals debut
Became the first Black player to compete in the US National Championships.
- 1953
College graduate
Completed her studies at Florida A&M before continuing her international tennis career.
- 1959
Professional exhibitions
Moved into paid exhibition tennis after her amateur successes.
- 1964
Professional golf
Earned her LPGA card after beginning to compete in professional golf.
Achievements
French champion
Won the French Championships singles title.
Wimbledon titles
Won consecutive women’s singles championships.
US titles
Also won consecutive US national singles championships.
Beyond sport
Music and film
Recorded an album and appeared in the film The Horse Soldiers.
Public service
Worked in sports administration in New Jersey after her playing career.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Sport authority — career and achievements ↗Photo: Adam Cuerden. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
.jpg){kind=link}