July 21, 1957 – A milestone moment in sports history. A young lady by the name of Althea Gibson became the African-American to win a major US tennis tournament. Miss Gibson opened the door and inspired many black athletes to compete at sports that had in the past not been available for them to participate in.
In 1956, she became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title when she took home the French Championships. The following year she won both Wimbledon and this US Nationals (precursor of the US Open). It wasn’t a fluke either as she repeated and won them both again in 1958 and was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Defying Destiny: The Most Miraculous League Title Wins in Soccer History
A domestic league championship is often called the truest test in soccer. Unlike the
Top Week 4 Fantasy and Betting Sleepers: Players Poised to Cash Big
The NFL’s best-kept secrets aren’t just about winning games. They’re about winning bets. Every
1972 Dallas Cowboys: From Duane Thomas Drama to Staubach’s Stunning Comeback
After posting an impressive 69–24–2 record over the last six seasons, including two NFC
Balancing School and Sports: Time Management Strategies for Student Athletes
Being a student athlete is about thriving in two high-pressure worlds at once: academics
Quick Guide to Betting on English Premier League Matches
The English Premier League attracts billions in betting volume each season. Understanding basic betting
The Scudetto: Italy’s Little Shield, A Legacy in Every Stitch
When a Serie A champion takes the field the following season, they do so
Ranking the Greatest Tennessee Titans Seasons Ever
The Tennessee Titans have produced several memorable campaigns filled with iconic plays, dominant stretches,
Long Shot & Hot Favorites: Discussing Historical Super Bowl Winners’ Betting Odds
When the Philadelphia Eagles walked off the field of Caesars Superdome last February, very