Arthur Ashe
-
Contest:
The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2024
-
Embed from Getty Images
-
Sport(s):
Tennis
-
Statistics:
76 Singles Titles
3 Singles Grand Slams
1,085-337 Singles Record
1 Australian Open Singles Title (1970)
1 Wimbledon Singles Title (1975)
1 U.S. Open Singles Title (1968)
18 Doubles Titles
323-176 Doubles Record
2 Doubles Grand Slams
1 Australian Open Doubles Title (1977)
1 French Open Doubles Title (1971)
4 Davis Cups (1963, 1968, 1969 & 1970)
Member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame
-
Arthur Ashe was the first African-American male to be a star in the world of tennis, who faced many of the racial obstacles that Althea Gibson dealt with years before. Ashe became the first African-American male to win a Grand Slam, the first to represent the United States in a Davis Cup (he won four), and the first to earn the number one rank.
One of the classiest players ever to grace the court, Ashe won 76 Titles and three Grand Slams over his long career. Ashe was also active in the Civil Rights movement and was one of the many who fought against Apartheid in South Africa.
Tragically, he died at age 49 from AIDS-related pneumonia in 1993. It is believed that he contracted the disease from a blood transfusion, and he dedicated the last part of his life to AIDS awareness. ESPN would create the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, given annually to the member of the sports world who exhibits courage in the face of adversity.
We are proud to nominate Arthur Ashe for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.