Arthur Ashe: First Black World No. 1 in Tennis – 1968

It was an early highlight in a great career. On December 12, 1968 Arthur Ashe became the first black tennis player to become number one in the world rankings. The American had previously won ten of the 22 tournaments in which he competed in the 1968 calendar year, including the US Open. He also led the American Davis Cup team to victory.

However, Ashe had to forego the prize money in New York. In order to remain available for the Davis Cup selection, he initially decided not to become a professional. The $14,000 for first place went to finalist Tom Okker. Ashe only received daily expenses paid.

He finally turned professional in 1969. On the ATP tour, Ashe celebrated successes at, among other things, the Australian Open in Melbourne in 1970 and Wimbledon in 1975. In 1981 he retired from competitive sports.

Ashe became infected with the HIV virus through a blood transfusion during heart surgery. He died of AIDS on February 6, 1993.