Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson was the first African American woman to compete on a world tennis tour. Over her career, she won five Grand Slam Singles Championships, including two back-to-back Wimbledon titles.

While still an amateur, Althea Gibson won 56 singles and doubles titles in the 1950s. Gibson won the French Open in 1956 and Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958, as well as the U.S. Open in 1957 and 1958. Named "Female Athlete of the Year" by the Associated Press in 1957, she turned professional in 1958.Althea Gibson: Biography

During Gibson's career she wrote the autobiography I Always Wanted to Be Somebody. By 1970, Gibson stopped competing and began teaching pro tennis. In 1975, she became New Jersey State Commissioner of Athletics and also served on the State's Athletics Control Board.Althea Gibson: Biography

"In the field of sports you are more or less accepted for what you do rather than what you are."-Althea Gibson

• Mahalo's Guide to Professional Tennis
• Career Stats
  • Height: 5'11
  • 11 major titles in singles and doubles

• August 25, 1927: Born in Silver, South Carolina

• 1947: Wins first of ten American Tennis Association championships

• 1950: Competes in her first U.S. Open

• 1956: Wins the Rome Masters

• 1957-1958: Wins back-to-back Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year awards

• 1959: Records album, Althea Gibson Sings

• 1971: Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

• 1975: Appointed New Jersey state commissioner of athletics

• 2003: Died of respiratory failure