About
Althea Neale Gibson, born in 1927 and deceased in 2003, was an American tennis player and professional golfer. She was one of the first Black athletes to cross the color line of international tennis. In 1956, she became the first Black player to win a Grand Slam event. Gibson won 11 Grand Slam titles in her career and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971.
Career Timeline
US Nationals Debut
First African-American to play US Nationals, faces discrimination.
French Open Victory
Wins French Open, first black player to win Grand Slam.
Wimbledon, US Nationals Champion
Wins both Wimbledon and US Nationals, reaching peak fame.
Retires From Amateur Tennis
Retires from amateur tennis due to financial constraints.
Joins LPGA Tour
First African-American to join the LPGA Tour.
Tennis Hall of Fame
Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Passed Away in New Jersey
Death at age 76; Legacy of breaking racial barriers lives on.
Legacy as a Pioneer
Gibson remains an icon, inspiring athletes of color for generations.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026