Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe was born in Virginia in 1943. He grew up to be one of the best tennis players in the world. He won three Grand Slam titles, which are the biggest prizes in tennis. He was also a kind person who helped others throughout his life.

Tennis Star

Arthur started playing tennis when he was seven years old. He was the first Black player picked for the United States Davis Cup team. In 1968, he won the U.S. Open. In 1975, he beat Jimmy Connors to win Wimbledon. He showed the world that a Black man could be the best.

Young Arthur Ashe hitting a backhand in a 1964 tennis match.
Young Arthur Ashe hitting a backhand in a 1964 tennis match. (Art Rogers, Los Angeles Times / Wikimedia Commons)

Helping Others

After tennis, Arthur spent his life helping others. He worked to end apartheid in South Africa. He also raised money to help sick children. Later he got very sick himself and started a group to help fight the disease called AIDS.

Fun Facts

  • He wrote books about the history of Black athletes.
  • The biggest tennis stadium in the world is named after him.
  • He was a captain in the U.S. Army before becoming a pro.

Did You Know?

Arthur Ashe is the only Black man ever to win the U.S. Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon.