Happy Birthday Arthur Ashe: A legend of the game and beyond still plays on today 

Arthur Ashe's time was cut short, but he made the most of every minute. Through the effortless swing of his racquet he broke barriers, garnished attention for the sport and inflicted paramount social change. Growing up in segregated Richmond, Virginia he was motivated by his father to excel in the classroom and on the court and to power through the harsh times. Ashe was forced to go the extra mile but was never afraid to look adversity straight in its eyes in hopes of a better tomorrow for the people that wore his skin color.

His grace gave hope to so many Black athletes and people that they could also see their dreams turn into reality. The light he turned on is still burning bright and it can be seen in Serena and Venus Williams, Naomi Osaka, Frances Tiafoe, Sloane Stephens and more that are under today’s limelight. If not for Ashe’s courage to help ignite the fight for social injustices tennis wouldn’t be where it is in 2021. On what would have been his 78th birthday, we take a brief look at just how much he accomplished in his 49 years of life.

1. First African-American player to win the National Junior Indoor Tennis title

Ranked No. 5, Ashe did the unthinkable by capturing the national indoor title and in doing so, earned the opportunity to attend UCLA. He was awarded a full scholarship and used it to further refine his game by working with the sport’s most notable names Pancho Gonzalez and Pancho Segura. In 1965 he captured both the NCAA singles and doubles crown at UCLA. He also competed on the Davis Cup team in 1963 and became the first African-American player to play for the US.

2. Major Victories

Following his colorful college career, Ashe broke barriers when he claimed the US Open title in 1968 and became the first Black male to lift the major title. However, Ashe’s significant victory and mark in history came without the paycheck. Since he was amateur at the time, his opponent walked away with the winner’s prize money of $14,000 and Ashe took home the $20 daily expenses for his historic triumph. His contributions and dedication would prove much greater than any number written on a check.

Ashe went on to win the 1970 Australian Open and the 1975 Wimbledon titles.

The Hall of Famer remains the only Black man to win major titles at the US Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon. France's Yannick Noah claimed his home major at Roland Garros in 1983.

3. Philanthropic, humanitarian, and activist

In 1979, Ashe suffered his first heart attack at the age of 39-years-old in which required a bypass surgery and ultimately led to his retirement. Just a few years later in 1983 his health continued to diminish as he suffered a second heart attack and bypass surgery which is widely believed to have led to Ashe contracting HIV in 1988. Years went by before Ashe announced his battle with AIDS in 1992, which was the same year he was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year.

Ashe’s daunting health issues may have kept him off the court but he never stopped pushing for change. Following his on-court career he kicked off his philanthropic, humanitarian and activist endeavors.

During his time writing for the Washington Post and Time Magazine, he frequently traveled to South Africa to raise awareness of the Apartheid policies and lobbying for sanctions. His strong convictions to stand up for what was right saw him arrested at the South African embassy in Washington during an anti-apartheid protest on January 11, 1985. Ashe was able to witness the repealing apartheid legislation and political prisoner in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was the first to be set free because of Ashe’s efforts. When Mandela was asked who he would like to visit in the U.S., he quickly responded: “How about Arthur Ashe?”

In the last year of his unforgettable life, Ashe founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS. The foundation raised money for the treatment, research and fight for a cure of the devastating disease.

“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you’re behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory,” he once said.

Ashe is the ultimate definition of a champion and his works and tireless efforts live on today. Happy birthday, Arthur Ashe.