Arthur Ashe was a prominent African American tennis player and activist. Ashe's life was cut short when he died from complications of Aids after a blood transfusion.

Arthur Ashe began playing tennis at a young age and decided to pursue the sport in college. While attending UCLA, Ashe was named to the U.S. Davis Cup team as its first African-American player. During his sophomore year at college, he was also named "Up and Coming" athlete in Sports Illustrated magazine. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Ashe joined the army from 1966 - 1968 where he reached second lieutenant rank.

Just out of the army, Ashe found himself challenged by opponent Tom Okker, but overcame with victory and won the first U.S. Open. Unfortunately, one year later Ashe would be challenged again, this time facing the Apartheid in South Africa, when he was denied a visa to travel to the country to play in the South African Open. It was at this point that Ashe committed his life's work to not only passionate tennis, but also activism.Arthur Ashe: Life Story

"Not the tennis court but the arena of protest and politics would be the single most significant testing ground for me in the middle years of my life."-Arthur Ashe

• Mahalo's Guide to Professional Tennis
• Career Stats
  • Height: 6'1
  • Weight: 160 lbs
  • Years Pro: 24

• July 10, 1943: Born

• Grand Slams (3)

• 1968: U.S. Open

• 1970: Australian Open

• 1975:Wimbledon

• Runner Ups (4)

• 1966: Australian Open

• 1967: Australian Open

• 1971: Australian Open

• 1972: U.S. Open

• Singles Titles (33)

• 1968: U.S. National Chps., US Open (Grass)

• 1970: Australian Open (Grass), Berkeley, Paris Indoor;

• 1971: Charlotte, Paris Indoor, Stockholm Open

• 1972: Louisville WCT, Montreal WCT, Rome WCT, Rotterdam WCT

• 1973: Chicago WCT, Washington

• 1974: Barcelona WCT, Bologna WCT, Stockholm

• 1975: Barcelona WCT, Dallas WCT, Los Angeles, Munich WCT, Rotterdam WCT, San Francisco, Stockholm: WCT, Wimbledon

• 1976: Columbus WCT, Indianapolis WCT, Richmond WCT, Rome WCT, Rotterdam WCT

• 1978: Colombus, Los Angeles, San Jose

• 1980: French Open

• February 6, 1993: Died

• Amazon.com: Arthur Ashe: Citizen of the World (1994)

• Missouri Valley Contest: Arthur Ashe essay contest

• Amazon.com: Tennis Our Way (Video)

• Caliroots.com: Arthur Ashe tennis shoes

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