Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe – Life, Impact, and Inspiring Wisdom

Explore the life of tennis legend Arthur Ashe (1943–1993), his path from segregated Richmond to Grand Slam champion, civil rights advocate, and AIDS awareness leader. Delve into his biography, philosophy, and most memorable quotes.

Introduction

Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. was not just one of the greatest tennis players of his era—he was also a pioneering advocate for racial equality, health awareness, and human dignity. Born July 10, 1943, in Richmond, Virginia, he broke multiple racial barriers in tennis, won three Grand Slam singles titles, and used his platform to speak out on issues of social justice and public health. His life story embodies excellence in sport combined with moral courage.

Early Life and Family

Arthur Ashe was born into a modest African American household in Richmond, Virginia.

His mother died when he was just six years old, a loss that deeply marked him.

From an early age, Ashe showed an affinity for tennis. He first played routinely at Brook Field, a public park with tennis courts in Richmond, where his father was caretaker.

A pivotal influence in his youth was Dr. Robert Walter Johnson, a physician and mentor to African American tennis players, who coached Ashe from his early teens. Johnson not only helped refine his tennis technique, but also instilled in him the values of composure, sportmanship, and resilience in a segregated society.

Ashe attended Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond, where he continued tennis training and academic studies.

Education, Military Service & Early Tennis Career

He earned a tennis scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and played collegiate tennis there.

Ashe also served in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned as a lieutenant, and part of his service was spent working at West Point, where he also oversaw the tennis program.

Even prior to his professional status, Ashe was making history on the court. In 1963, he became the first Black player selected for the U.S. Davis Cup team.

Tennis Career and Major Achievements

Breaking Barriers & Grand Slam Titles

• In 1968, Ashe won the U.S. Open (then played in Forest Hills) — becoming the first African American male to win a major singles title.

• In 1970, he won the Australian Open.

• His greatest triumph perhaps came in 1975, when he won Wimbledon—defeating Jimmy Connors in the final. This made him the first Black man to win the Wimbledon singles crown.

He also won doubles titles, and accumulated many single titles over his career.

He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in May 1976.

His overall match record was excellent: 818 wins to 260 losses, and a total of 51 open era titles.

He retired from professional tennis in 1980, after battling chronic injuries and health issues.

Post-Tennis & Activism

After retiring, Ashe remained active in many spheres:

• He became a writer and commentator, contributing to publications such as Time and The Washington Post.

• He served as captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team from 1981 to 1985.

• Ashe was deeply involved in civil rights and social justice causes. He was one of the founders of Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid, working to end racial segregation in South Africa.

• In 1985, Ashe was arrested during a protest outside the South African embassy in Washington, D.C.

• He also used his platform to raise awareness about public health and urban issues, founding institutions like the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health.

Late in his life, Ashe battled heart disease. During a heart bypass surgery, he contracted HIV via a blood transfusion. He publicly announced his diagnosis in 1992, and used his influence to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Posthumously, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The primary stadium used for the U.S. Open in New York is named Arthur Ashe Stadium, in his honor.

Historical Context & Legacy

Arthur Ashe’s career spanned the civil rights era, the rise of televised sports, and the maturation of tennis as a global professional game. In a sport long restricted by racial and social barriers, Ashe forged a path not only by talent but by personal dignity, restraint, and public conscience.

His victories were more than athletic achievements—they were symbolic moments in American social progress. Ashe’s calm, composed style contrasted with more flamboyant players, yet his impact was profound. He became a role model, especially for Black athletes and youth aspiring to excellence beyond athletics.

His later life advocacy around HIV/AIDS and urban health made him a national figure for health awareness and social responsibility, expanding his legacy beyond sports.

Personality and Values

Ashe was often celebrated for his composure under pressure—rarely showing anger or emotional volatility on court, he maintained a poised demeanor even in defeat. He believed that one’s mental attitude and character matter as much as physical ability.

He was intellectually curious and well read—a man who saw sport as part of a larger life. He did not want simply to be known as a "great Black tennis player," but as a great champion, period.

Ashe valued using his platform for good. He believed in service, giving voice to social issues, and engaging communities. His decision to speak openly about his HIV status, at a time when stigma was very high, reflected remarkable moral courage.

Famous Quotes of Arthur Ashe

Here are some memorable and powerful quotes from Arthur Ashe:

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome. Not everyone can be Number 1.” “The best way to judge a life is to ask yourself, ‘Did I make the best use of the time I had?’” “Racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can.” “I don’t want to be better than anyone else. I want to be better than I ever thought I could be.” “An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” “Wherever I am, when you feel sick at heart … think of me. I will be watching and smiling and cheering on.” “We blacks look for leadership in men and women of such youth … that it is no wonder we sometimes seem rudderless… We see basketball players and pop singers as possible role models … when nothing could be further … from their capacities.”

These quotations reflect a man who balanced humility, resolve, service, and a belief in human potential.

Lessons from Arthur Ashe

1. Composure is strength. In life and competition, keeping calm under pressure reveals character.

2. Use your voice, especially when it's risky. Ashe used his prominence to challenge injustice and raise awareness.

3. Work with what you have. Ashe often spoke of making the most out of present circumstances.

4. Success is in the journey. The process, discipline, and effort matter more than mere outcome.

5. Serve beyond yourself. An athlete, Ashe was more than his wins—he made his legacy by how he served others.

6. Embrace complexity. Ashe's life shows that one can be a champion and an activist, a scholar and a sportsman, a public figure and a deeply private thinker.

Conclusion

Arthur Ashe remains an inspiring figure not just in tennis but in the broader cultural and moral landscape. His victories on grass and hard courts shattered expectations; his conduct off the court deepened respect. He faced adversity with dignity, spoke truth to power, and turned personal struggle into public mission.