NEW YORK, August 26, 2024 (USTA Press Release)
The US Open celebrated the life and legacy of tennis legend Althea Gibson with a tribute Sunday on the Fan Week stage at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The tribute, which commemorated Gibson’s birthday and the fifth anniversary of her statue being unveiled outside Arthur Ashe Stadium, included a special dance performance by youth from the National Dance Institute and remarks from Michelle Curry, the administrator of Gibson’s estate and chief operating officer of the Althea Gibson Community Tennis Association along with former USTA President Katrina Adams.
“For us to be here … to really talk about Althea Gibson’s legacy, and to commemorate the fifth anniversary of her statue unveiling, I’m honored to be here today,” Adams, a former Top 10 player in doubles, said.
“I feel that if it had not been for Althea, and the courage, grace and athleticism that she had on the court, to be successful, I might not have had the opportunities to do what I’ve done.”
In 1950, Gibson broke the color barrier in tennis by becoming the first African American to compete in the U.S. National Championships. She won 11 major titles combined in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Celebrating the legacy of Althea Gibson ✨ pic.twitter.com/dAwnDCvssD
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2024
