Arthur Ashe's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Arthur Ashe. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Arthur Ashe was a highly accomplished American professional tennis player. He secured three Grand Slam singles titles and two in doubles. Notably, Ashe broke barriers as the first Black player chosen for the United States Davis Cup team. His achievements also include being the only Black man to ever win the singles championships at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. Ashe's impactful career concluded with his retirement in 1980.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1947: First All-American Wimbledon Final Since 1947

On July 5, 1975, in the first all-American Wimbledon final since 1947, Arthur Ashe won Wimbledon at his ninth attempt, defeating Jimmy Connors.

1958: First Integrated Tennis Competition

In 1958, Arthur Ashe became the first African American to play in the Maryland boys' championships. It was also his first integrated tennis competition.

1959: First non-Australian Australian Open Win

In January 1970, Arthur Ashe became the first non-Australian to win the title since 1959.

1961: U.S. Interscholastic Tournament Win

In 1961, Arthur Ashe was granted permission to compete in the previously segregated U.S. Interscholastic tournament and won it for Sumner High School.

1961: Wins Eastern Clay Court Championships

In 1961, Arthur Ashe won the Eastern Clay Court Championships by defeating George Ball and Bob Barker in close five set matches in the semifinal and final.

1963: Selection to United States Davis Cup Team

In 1963, Arthur Ashe became the first black player ever selected for the United States Davis Cup team.

1963: Wins Pacific Southwest Championships

In 1963, Arthur Ashe won the Pacific Southwest Championships in Los Angeles on concrete by defeating Rafael Osuna and Whitney Reed in the final two rounds.

1964: Wins Eastern Grass Court Championships

In 1964, Arthur Ashe won the Eastern Grass Court Championships at South Orange, New Jersey by defeating Dennis Ralston, Gene Scott, and Clark Graebner in close matches.

1965: NCAA Titles

In 1965, Arthur Ashe won both the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) singles title and the doubles title (with Ian Crookenden), helping UCLA win the NCAA team tennis championship.

1967: U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships Win

In 1967, Arthur Ashe won the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships in Milwaukee defeating Marty Riessen in the final.

December 1968: Davis Cup Victory

In December 1968, Arthur Ashe helped the U.S. team become Davis Cup champions after victory in the final in Adelaide against defending champions, Australia.

1968: Ashe leads United States to Davis Cup victory

In 1968, Arthur Ashe led the United States to victory in the Davis Cup, the first of three consecutive years of U.S. victories (1968-70).

1968: United States Amateur Championships and US Open Win

In 1968, Arthur Ashe won the United States Amateur Championships against Bob Lutz, and the first US Open of the open era, becoming the first black male to capture the title.

September 1969: Davis Cup Victory and Visa Denial

In September 1969, the U.S. Davis Cup team retained the cup, beating Romania in the final challenge round, with Arthur Ashe winning both his singles matches. Also in September 1969, Ashe applied for a visa to play in the South African Open but was denied due to apartheid.

January 1970: Australian Open Win

In January 1970, Arthur Ashe won his second Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, defeating Dick Crealy in the final.

September 1970: Davis Cup Victory and Turning Professional

In September 1970, Arthur Ashe helped the U.S. Davis cup team defeat West Germany to win their third consecutive Davis Cup. Subsequently, Ashe turned professional, signing a five-year contract with Lamar Hunt's World Championship Tennis.

November 1973: Granted Visa for South African Open

In November 1973, Arthur Ashe was granted a visa to enter South Africa for the first time to play in the South African Open. He lost in the final to Jimmy Connors but won the doubles.

May 1975: WCT Finals Win

In May 1975, Arthur Ashe beat Björn Borg to win the season-ending championship WCT Finals in Dallas.

July 5, 1975: Wimbledon Victory

On July 5, 1975, Arthur Ashe won Wimbledon at his ninth attempt, defeating Jimmy Connors in the final.

1975: Arthur Ashe Wins Wimbledon and Connors Drops Libel Suit

In 1975, Arthur Ashe symbolically wore red, white, and blue wristbands and a U.S.-emblazoned Davis Cup warm-up jacket while winning Wimbledon and receiving a £10,000 winner's check (equivalent to US$23,000). Shortly after, Connors dropped his libel suit against Ashe.

1975: World No. 1 Ranking and Awards

In 1975, Arthur Ashe was ranked world No. 1 by multiple sources. He was also awarded the 'Martini and Rossi' Award and the ATP Player of the Year award that year.