The 2025 U.S. Open has opened with a historic tribute to tennis pioneer Althea Gibson, dedicating the entire two-week tournament to celebrating her life and achievements.
Gibson, who became the first Black player to compete in the U.S. Nationals in 1950, is being honored through a series of events, performances, and visual commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of her groundbreaking appearance.
Tournament organizers said the celebration aims to bring Gibson’s story to the forefront, ensuring her role in breaking tennis’s color barrier receives long-overdue recognition. “A lot of people know Arthur Ashe.
A lot of people know Billie Jean King. Althea Gibson, maybe not as well known, but she really is the Jackie Robinson of tennis,” said Nicole Kankam, the U.S. Tennis Association’s managing director of pro tennis marketing and entertainment.
Throughout the tournament, fans are being immersed in Gibson’s legacy. Organizers have commissioned special artwork, live performances, giveaways, and multimedia presentations, all designed to highlight her impact on the sport and beyond.
The official artwork for this year’s U.S. Open was created by Melissa Koby, the first Black artist to design the tournament’s theme imagery. The piece captures Gibson’s silhouette in bold, vivid strokes, symbolizing her strength and groundbreaking role in tennis history.
“When I was creating the piece, I thought of Althea as my ancestor, as a strong Black female. She’s not my grandmother, but I thought of her as that, and I created it with the intention of making her proud,” Koby said.
Koby added that she hopes the tribute will inspire “other little Black girls, whether they’re tennis players or artists,” by showing that “if they put their heart into what they’re doing, they have the opportunity to be great or to do something special.”
In addition, organizers are distributing 40,000 limited-edition Marvel comic books featuring Gibson alongside the Fantastic Four, aimed at introducing her story to younger generations.
Tournament attendees will also receive commemorative pins bearing Gibson’s likeness on August 25, which would have marked her 98th birthday.
The celebration extends beyond visual tributes. On August 26, the Florida A&M University marching band, representing Gibson’s alma mater, will perform during the night session, honoring the champion’s legacy with a high-energy musical tribute.
Broadcast partners are also playing a role in spotlighting Gibson’s story. ESPN is set to air a special video highlighting her achievements, ensuring her pioneering journey reaches millions of viewers globally.
Gibson’s 1950 debut in the U.S. Nationals marked a seismic shift for tennis, challenging long-standing racial barriers in the sport.
She became the first Black player to compete at Wimbledon a year later. Between 1956 and 1958, Gibson went on to claim 11 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles, cementing her place among the game’s elite.
However, her story has often been overshadowed by other tennis legends, a reality Kankam acknowledged. This year’s extended celebration, she said, is designed to correct that imbalance and elevate Gibson’s legacy to its rightful prominence.
The USTA’s decision to center Gibson reflects its broader goal of expanding diversity and participation within tennis.
The organization has set an ambitious target of 35 million active players by 2035 and sees Gibson’s story as a vital inspiration for underrepresented communities.
“Althea’s courage opened the door for so many who came after her. This celebration is about giving her the recognition she deserves while inspiring future generations,” Kankam said.
The U.S. Open’s tribute combines history, art, education, and entertainment to ensure Gibson’s contributions are remembered. From Marvel comics to marching bands, the effort underscores not just her accomplishments but the barriers she shattered.
By placing Gibson’s journey at the heart of this year’s tournament, organizers say they hope fans will leave Flushing Meadows with a deeper understanding of her place in tennis and American history.
By: Joshua Narh