Black Tennis Players in History

BLACK TENNIS PLAYERS IN HISTORY

7/22/2021

When Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe broke through the seemingly solid brick wall color barrier to tennis, the earth shifted. Gibson in 1957, and Ashe in 1974. These and other athletes function in a society seemingly bereft of love for Black people is a welcome and refreshing site for sore eyes. It serves as a vitamin to nourish and propel us to achieve more. Reading about how others have made it through in spite of circumstances is inspiring. This curated list was created to provide that boost to children. There’s one adult title to provide insight for parents in raising little athletes.

I have a vague memory of meeting a very important Black male tennis figure as a child. He showed me how to hold my racket for a back handed swing. He was tall and had an afro. Though I haven’t been able to confirm if it was Authur Ashe, this figure and Blacks around the world were likely inspired by him. When researching more about Arthur Ashe’s record, I found he did have a tournament in Chicago in 1975 which makes it possible I could have met him. Based on his desire to bring tennis courts to underserved communities we have all certainly benefited from his legacy. He left an impression on the world after he won that World Championship of Tennis single title in Chicago against Robert Taylor in 1973. Unfortunately, I have no pictures or media coverage as proof of this, but I’ll hold it as perhaps a fantasy that inspired me along the way. Ashe was the first Black person to win the World Championship in Tennis in 1975 as shown in this video.

On the South side of Chicago, there is a park dedicated to Arthur Ashe located at 2701 E 74th St. According to a phone interview I had with Ms. Qae Dah Muhammad who is listed on the Chicago Park District website, the park was dedicated in 1994; one year after Ashe’s unfortunate death from AIDS he contracted from a blood transfusion. The park location happens to have an auspicious unplanned connection in that it is across the street from a building built by Ashe’s father-in-law. Ashe’s wife is named Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. Her father, the principal architect of the Lake Terrace Condominium, was built in 1947. John Warren Moutoussamy, an African American Architect, was Ashe’s father-in-law. It is so interesting how circumstances lined up to bring a heightened awareness of the importance of this champion. Ashe was the first to make tennis courts available in underprivileged neighborhoods. Perhaps the court I remember getting some pointers from him on was there due to his initiative.

Ashe was the first African American male to win the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, the Australian Open, and Wimbledon. Finding any books on Arthur Ashe that are readily in print was hard to come by. As the first Black male to win this previously all-white dominated sport, we should have more books available on him. I recall the book he co-wrote called, “A Hard Road to Glory,” which at this point is out of print. Thankfully, the 8 part Youtube documentary also called, "A Hard Road to Glory" hosted by Ashe is available. It covers athletes from 1619 to the mid 1980’s. Though the goal of this curated list is to include titles for boys and girls, my search reveals that there’s great room for growth for more titles for boys. It is encouraging to learn that on June 24, 2020 WTVR CBS 6 announced that a biopic film on Ashe's life is in the makings.

Always believe in yourself
And never except no as an answer.
Even if the world turns against you,
It doesn’t mean anything.

You are the world if you want to be,
And,
Live for the world,
And the world will live through you.

Richard Williams

Venus and Serena Williams “had no choice but to become” trailblazers in tennis ever since their father, Richard Williams became inspired to do so. As Father Williams tells the story, he decided to get into tennis one day after watching the winner of the U.S. Open and heard about the $40,000 prize winnings. He was inspired to teach two of his children yet unborn to win the championship so their winnings would take care of all family expenses. He stated that he decided to teach himself tennis first so he could then coach his daughters. Serena and older sister Venus were so unique and advanced in their skills that they ended up playing each other in the 1998 Australian Open where the older sister Venus took home the trophy. They are in a class all by themselves. In a post called, “GIFTS FOR SPORTS FANS - BLM EDITION” I added some details on Serena’s accolades. It is fascinating to learn of Venus and Serena’s humble beginnings and how their coach-father taught himself tennis. In an interview with Piya Chattopadhyay, father Williams shared that he made a conscious decision to raise 2 children to become tennis stars. What a powerful intention and prophesy that has come to fruition.

It is encouraging to see a plethora of children’s books written on Venus and Serena Williams. I’ve included the adult book by Robert Williams for the parents who may be interested in finding out more about father Williams’ humble beginnings and how his sheer will and determination made a way out of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

We were happy to add "25 Most Influential Black Tennis Figures Past and Present" to our list as a creative way to engage children through its coloring and activity pages. Consider using it before the upcoming movie called, "King Richard," starring Will Smith as a tool to increase their curiosity in tennis.

Book Trailer for "25 Most Influential Black Tennis Figures Past and Present" by Jackson and Mackenzie Baker

Though Naomi Osaka loss to Czech Republic’s Markéta Vondroušová in the 2021 Tokoyo Olympics was unfortunate, we know this was only her first Olympics and that she can return in the future. She seems destined for greatness. Thankfully, we already have access to books published about her life to including, "Naomi Osaka - Women in Sports," and an adorably illustrated one called, "Naomi Osaka."

Last but certainly not least is Althea Gibson who paved the way for everyone on this list. On July 6 1957, Althea Gibson became the first African American tennis player to win a singles title at Wimbledon. She went on to be the first African American to win the US Tennis Championship in 1958. Thankfully there are a few children’s titles on her life. I hope that one day her autobiography, “I Always Wanted to Be Somebody” will be re-published. Here is an informative video on her life.

Final Thoughts

As always, I appreciate that you have read through this blog post. I hope that you’ve become curious to read more books about tennis for Black Children. We ask that you consider purchasing your books from our Black owned bookstore, Afriware Books, Co. If there is a title you’d like to purchase that is not mentioned here, or could not be found on the website, feel free to email us at: [email protected]

Blog Notes

Interview of Robert Williams by Piya Chattopadhyay