Tennis’ First African-American Champion

Althea Gibson: The First African-American Grand Slam Champion
"Shaking hands with the Queen of England was a long way from being forced to sit in the coloured section of the bus…."
1957 belonged to Althea Gibson. At the Australian Championships, she reached the final of the singles, won the women's doubles and made the semi-finals of the mixed. At Wimbledon, not only did Gibson win the singles, but she also retained her women's doubles crown and reached the finals of the mixed. Then in September, she won the singles and mixed doubles at the US National Championships and made the final of the women's doubles.
In her whole career, Gibson competed in 18 Grand Slam finals. Eight of them were in 1957. And she didn't even play the French.
In the four decades between Gibson's Grand Slams and the emergence of the Williams sisters, very few black players came close to emulating her achievements. Venus and Serena have inspired a new generation - but they owe a huge debt of gratitude to the original pioneer.
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[@johncharles2357]

Excellent! Thanks for this. Keep up the good work.

[@augusto5123]

Just great video! Althea Gibson a truly champion indeed!

[@leonstanic3960]

Legend