South Carolina East Althea Gibson selected for the South Tennis Fame Hall – tennis now

Althea Gibson was an attractive athlete that transformed the world of tennis and beyond. Widely celebrated as the first black to spent the most embedded racial barriers of the sport, Gibson’s career illustrated the courage, excellence and resistance. Her journey of life, from the humble south beginnings divided to the heights of the international tennis Stardom, strengthened its status as a pioneer whose influence extended far from the court.
Born in Silver, SC, in 1927, Gibson moved with her family to Harlem to New York City at a young age. As a teenager, she gravitated to sports, shining in a tennis with a pointed before she was presented in a tennis organized by the American Tennis Association (ATA). With mentoring by Dr. Hubert Eaton from Wilmington, NC and Dr. Robert Johnson from Lynchburg, VA., Gibson developed her skills and discipline. During her time in North Carolina, she won 10 direct championships for women, a foundation for her subsequent dominance on the world stage. She attended the Rational High School of Williston in Wilmington and graduated in 1949. She attended A&M University in Florida on an athletic scholarship.
Gibson made history in 1950 when she became the first black player to compete in the US National Championship (now US Open). A year later, she broke another obstacle competing in Wimbledon. Her perseverance and talent were paid in 1956 when she captured the French Open Singles title, becoming the first black player – male or female – to win a Grand Slam tour. It continued to prevail in the late 1950s, winning Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958, as well as back-back titles in the US national team. She was named the 1957 female athlete of the year by the Associated Press. In total, she provided 11 Grand Slam championships: five in singles, five in doubles and one in mixed doubles.
Its achievements were not limited to titles. In 1957, the International Tennin Federation ranked its world no. 1, making it the highest female tennis globally. She was also included in the international women’s sports hall, the famous black tennis hall, the women’s fame hall, the famous New Jersey Hall and the Wilmington Great Sports Fame Hall.
That same year, she broke another obstacle as the first black woman to appear on the covers of AGE AND Sports Illustrated. Her pressure grace and her extraordinary sportsmanship gained her widespread respect, despite the racial discrimination she faced throughout her career. It was often excluded from closet rooms, hotels and clubs due to separation.
After his retirement from competitive tennis in the early 1960s, Gibson continued to have a steady impact on the sport. She served as a teaching professional at the Forest Hills Country Club in Queens, NY, and worked to expand the entrance to tennis. Later, she was appointed State Athletics Commissioner in New Jersey, becoming one of the first black women to hold a state -level sporting position. In that role, she promoted youth sports, physical education and equal opportunities in athletics.
In 1963, Gibson became the first black golf in the lady’s professional golf association. She played in 171 events over the next 15 years. She also had a career as a vocalist and
Gibson’s legacy was recognized through numerous honors. It was included in the 1971 international tennis fame hall, the first first to make the difference.
Other definitions followed, including inductions in these fame halls: international women’s sports, women’s national sports, tennis in South Carolina, South Carolina Sports and Black Tennis and Wilmington NC Sports. It was also celebrated by institutions such as Smithsonian and the National Museum of African -American History and Culture. In 2013, the United States Postal Service issued a memorial stamp in its honor, ensuring that its story will continue to inspire future generations. In 2025, she was commemorated with her image in a quarter, accompanied by the words “Trailblazing Champion”.
Its southern roots also remained an important part of its heritage. Tennis complex Althea Gibson in Wilmington, NC, honors its impact serving as a community center for tennis and youth development. In 2003, shortly after its passing, it was given after the death of the asset of Arthur Ashe, recognizing its endurance, integrity and contributions to the sport.
Gibson’s character was as extraordinary as her achievements. Known for humility, generosity and a given spirit, she dedicated most of her life after competition to teach young players and teaching tennis in undeserved communities.
In 2025 Usta celebrated the 75th anniversary of Gibson’s historic entry into US Open. Mentioning Gibson’s courage and perseverance, Usta revealed the topic of “celebrating the 75 years of barrier breakdown”.