Today In History - July 6, 1957 - First Black Wimbledon Singles Champ

[+ azdr0710]

Althea Gibson.....(Arthur Ashe would be the first Black male singles champ in 1975)

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/althea-gibson-is-first-african-american-to-win-wimbledon

 

[BSR]

Althea Gibson was a great champion who was born in the wrong time.  Despite 5 Slam singles titles, Gibson was denied many opportunities due to racial discrimination.  She ended up giving up on pro tennis because too many doors were closed to her.  Contrast that to today, when Coco Gauff was reportedly earning $1 million a year at 15yo even before her big breakthrough win, upsetting Venus Williams in the 1st round of Wimbledon 2019.

Gibson suffered serious financial hardship in the 1980s due to some major medical expenses.  The tennis community rallied behind her and donated almost a $million to help her out.  I heard that Venus and Serena quietly gave her money so that she could live out her final years in dignity.

Edited July 8, 2022 by BSR
Typo

[mike carey]

It's worth noting that a second black woman would win a Wimbledon singles title before Arthur Ashe won his in 1975. Evonne Goolagong won the ladies' singles in 1971.

[+ Charlie]

9 hours ago, mike carey said:

It's worth noting that a second black woman would win a Wimbledon singles title before Arthur Ashe won his in 1975. Evonne Goolagong won the ladies' singles in 1971.

And Goolagong was Ash Barty's model.

[mike carey]

21 hours ago, Charlie said:

And Goolagong was Ash Barty's model.

Indeed, down to the dress she wore in the final last year. Ash also identifies as being indigenous.

[+ Charlie]

One might note that Goolagong was also a mother when she won.