August 25, 1968 – It was a pinnacle moment in sports history. Arthur Ashe became the first African American to win the US singles championship. Ashe went on to break barriers in other areas of tennis too: He won three Grand Slam singles titles.
Arthur was also the first black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team, and the only African American man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, and the Australian Open. Ashe opened the door of opportunity for so many talented athletes and took the sport of tennis into homes that were unfamiliar with it.
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