US Open to Honor Althea Gibson

[NinjaPoodle]

US Open to Honor Althea Gibson on Tuesday Night, September 7
Sunday, September 5, 2004


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On-Court Ceremony in Arthur Ashe(KAPsi) Stadium Pays Tribute to Legacy of "African-American Mother of American Tennis"

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 5, 2004 - The USTA announced that it will honor the legacy of Althea Gibson (AKA), the "African-American Mother of American tennis," with a special tribute at the US Open on Tuesday night, September 7 - the 46th anniversary of her second U.S. Championship. U.S. Fed Cup Captain Zina Garrison, John McEnroe, and the honorable David N. Dinkins are expected to be part of the ceremony hosted by Bud Collins. The matches begin at 7:00 p.m. and gates open at 6:00 p.m.

Gibson's social impact extended well beyond her significant accomplishments on the tennis court, becoming the first African-American to enter the U.S. Championships. Over an exquisite three-year period, she won 11 Grand Slams, including five singles titles -- two at the U.S. Championships in 1957 and 1958. A pioneer, Gibson blazed a trail for tennis players -- Arthur Ashe, Leslie Allen, Zina Garrison, Venus and Serena Williams -- and inspired countless others in all walks of life. Gibson died September 28, 2003 at the age of 76 in East Orange General Hospital.

"We look forward to celebrating the life of a remarkable woman who opened doors and opened minds," said Alan Schwartz, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. "More than recognizing her significant on-court accomplishments, we intend to pay tribute to the social impact of one of the seminal figures of the 20th century."

"The legacy of Althea Gibson transcends tennis and sports -- as a person who broke down barriers to create opportunities for generations to follow in our sport and in life," said Lee Hamilton, Executive Director and COO, USTA. "On Tuesday night we celebrate her spirit and legacy of courage, fortitude, heart, desire, and excellence."

In conjunction with the on-court ceremony, the Althea Gibson Foundation will host a fundraiser on Tuesday evening at the USTA National Tennis Center.