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Althea GibsonLegendary tennis player
Date of Birth: 25.08.1927
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Althea Gibson
Early Life and Tennis BeginningsAlthea Gibson, the legendary tennis player, was born on August 25, 1927, in the town of Silver in South Carolina, to Daniel and Annie Bell Gibson. Growing up in poverty, the Gibsons moved to Harlem, New York in search of a better life. Despite their limited resources, Althea practiced tennis against a brick wall in her yard and with her friends. Recognizing her talent and determination, Fred Johnson, a tennis instructor who had lost one hand, taught her the basics of the game and helped her develop her skills. Another stroke of luck came when Althea met Sugar Ray Robinson, a black boxer who understood the challenges African Americans face in sports. Robinson financially supported Althea, enabling her to participate in tournaments.
Tennis Success and Professional Career
Althea's hard work paid off when she received an invitation to the National Grass Court Championships, a precursor to the modern US Open, in 1950. Although she didn't achieve remarkable results that year, Althea's physicality and speed made her a perfect fit for tennis. She persevered and continued to compete. Despite facing racial barriers and limited opportunities for financial gain, Althea excelled in the sport. In 1956, she won the French Open in both singles and doubles, as well as the Wimbledon doubles championship with her partner Angela Buxton. The following year, at the age of 30, Althea became the first African American to win the Wimbledon singles title, as well as the Australian Open and the US Open. Her achievements were exceptional and cemented her place in tennis history.
Life After Tennis
In 1971, Althea Gibson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She published her autobiography, released an album, and even appeared in films. In 1964, she became the first African American woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association, but her age limited her participation to a few years. After leaving professional sports, Althea held various positions in government service, including being an advisor to the governor of New Jersey on physical education and sports. Both of her marriages ended in divorce. However, her health deteriorated, and she suffered from two brain aneurysms and a stroke. Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Althea did not amass a significant fortune from her tennis career, and she faced financial difficulties. Thanks to the support of her longtime friend and doubles partner, Angela Buxton, fans worldwide raised nearly a million dollars to ensure Althea did not go hungry. Althea Gibson passed away on September 28, 2003, at the age of 76, in East Orange, New Jersey. She was laid to rest at the Rosedale Cemetery.
