THE BEST STORIES OF THE GAME, FROM the BEST PLAYERS IN THE GAME, THROUGH THE DEFINING VALUES OF OUR GAME.
This year, we’re taking you even deeper to share more stories and more moments from our archives and our Hall of Famers. Each month we’ll focus on a value that the sport of tennis and its greatest champions embody. From our youtube channel, to our social media feed, our podcast, and our website you’ll find inspirational stories and moments that pull at our heart strings and remind us why we fell in love with this game. The moments that gave us chills, that made us stand in our seats, that made our jaws drop – these are the moments that define our sport.
Boldness:
A willingness to get things done despite risks
Arthur Ashe was much more than a storied tennis player; he was an activist, author, educator, and a tireless campaigner for civil rights and racial equality. His boldness led to changes in tennis and throughout the world.
Hall of Famers Charlie Pasarell and Donald Dell talk about Arthur Ashe and his willingness to get things done despite the risks.
February is Black History Month in the United States, and the TennisWorthy podcast explores the theme of boldness in tennis. Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers highlight the courageous journeys of three African-American Hall of Famers—Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, and their mentor Dr. Robert Johnson.
Chris narrates their struggles and triumphs, starting with Gibson, who broke racial barriers in the 1950s with the help of fellow Hall of Famer, Alice Marble’s advocacy. Gibson’s journey from segregation-era challenges to winning major titles and transitioning to professional sports is a testament to her resilience. He also sheds light on Dr. Robert Johnson, who mentored both Gibson and Ashe, providing a foundation for Black tennis players through his strict training regimen and commitment to integrating the sport.
Ashe’s story, particularly his historic trip to apartheid South Africa in 1973, highlights his unique approach to activism—using his talent rather than vocal protest to make a statement. His presence in South Africa was seen as both inspiring and controversial, as he insisted on integrating the tournament stadium and meeting Black communities despite government restrictions. The memories of several close to him - Donald Dell, Mark Mathabane and Owen Williams - highlight Ashe’s influence extended beyond the court, with his visit leaving a lasting impact on the fight against apartheid.
ON SOCIAL FOR STORIES OF BOLDNESS
SERVING UP LEGENDARY STORIES
OF Boldness from OUR archive
Dive into the extraordinary tales of Tennis Hall of Famers. Discover the mindset that propelled them on the grandest stages, the sources of their unwavering motivation, and the remarkable achievements that secured their spot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Courage in Action: Althea Gibson Shatters The Race Barrier
On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson made history as the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title, claiming the Wimbledon women’s singles title by defeating Darlene Hard 6-1, 6-2. Born into poverty in South Carolina and facing racial discrimination throughout her career, Gibson eventually broke through in tennis, winning Wimbledon’s doubles in 1956 and singles in 1957, after years of hard work and support from figures like Alice Marble. Learn more...
On Court & Off: Women Supporting Women in Tennis
The modern-day version of tennis first gained traction among women in the late 1800's when the first major championships were held. Through the years, women's tennis has grown and thrived as a direct result of the many gutsy and creative women who have taken responsibility for pushing boundaries. Read more...
HOW IVAN LENDL REINVENTED HIMSELF
Ivan Lendl was one of the best tennis players in the world in the early 1980s. He briefly reached the world number one ranking in 1983 and enjoyed a 44-match winning streak in 1981 and ‘82. He won his first major, the French Open, in 1984, but still felt that he wasn’t reaching his full potential on the court. To reach the very top, it was necessary for him to reinvent himself. Those changes needed to come from within. And Lendl knew it. Read his amazing story...
