Arthur Ashe once admitted frankly "If I was remembered as merely a tennis player; I would consider myself nothing but a failure."
His statement is partially right. As the first African-American Davis Cup participant and the only black male player to win three Grand Slams, Ashe was a symbol of the penetration of a lily-white sport, dominated by the whites. He was the pioneer of the base for the professional tennis players, still called ATP. If he stopped here and did nothing else, he would have been inducted among the 100 great sport personalities of America. But he achieved much off the court too by his disciplined movements against social, political and medicinal injustice. He made people think seriously about racial discrimination, about health, about academic upliftment and about helping downtrodden and disabled people.
His life was a battle - a battle against the partiality for the whites in the field athletics, a battle against the havocing disease, AIDS, and a battle for the upliftment of his race. His balanced thoughts and behavior on the court as well as off the court, led even those conservative whites to appreciate him, "There would be no race conflict if all Negroes were like Arthur Ashe."
Ashe's sportsmanship was unparalleled. He neither tried to cheat his competitor nor himself. Always exhibiting his good quality of honesty on the court, he could make his competitor shift from one pole to another - from selfishness to serving the society.
As an anti-apartheid, Ashe's fight began from his childhood as he was barred from playing on most of the public courts and from participating in the local tournaments involving whites in segregated Virginia. Campaigning against the apartheid, he reached to its roots in South Africa. Breaking the dominance of whites in the field of tennis, he paved the way for the blacks in the US to get the opportunity to show their abilities in various fields, apart from sports. What the great South African black leader Nelson Mandela did for his countrymen, Arthur Ashe did the same for the black US citizens.
Even his polite words reveal his greatness: "Compared to (Nelson) Mandela's sacrifice, my own has been one of almost self-indulgence. When I think of him, my own political efforts seem puny."
Memoirs of Ashe
Three memorable books provides the moving and heartfelt memories of Arthur Ashe's life: Days of Grace, Daddy and Me and A Hard Road to Glory : A History of the African-American Athlete.
Among these, first one was written by Ashe and published after his death. It covers his childhood days in segregated Virginia, his tennis triumphs, his campaign for justice to the blacks, his heart breaking public disclosure of suffering from AIDS and the essence of his inspirational life.
Daddy and Me is a picturesque volume, published in 1993. It consists a number of personal photographs of Ashe, taken by Ashe's photographer wife Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe herself during the critical period of Ashe's battle against AIDS. The lively snaps gives a special humane touch to a heart-rending circumstances Ashe faced during the later half of his life and vividly reflects the affectionate relationship between Ashe and his loving daughter, Camera.
A Hard Road to Glory, is authored by Ashe himself. The three volumes throw light on the struggle of African-American athletes from early half of the 17th century to the second half of 20th century. This extraordinary work, representing a triumph of the blacks to prove their mettle, was published in 1988. It is considered one of the most comprehensive books on the struggle of the black players. Inspired from its breathtaking events, an audio-visual program was prepared and was broadcast on television.
Arthur Ashe is not with us, but these invaluable memoirs remind us of this black man's struggle in the society of whites to reach the pinnacle of success.
Richmond, Virginia, USA
A little black girl, holding her father's finger, comes with a bunch of flowers and pays homage to the statue erected in the center of the city. The statue is holding tennis racquet in one hand, books in the other, and there are several children near his feet. On one side of the pedestal, a brief note is carved, reminding his athletic achievements, the memorable books he wrote, the awards and honors bestowed upon him and the humane deeds for which he dedicated his life. On the other side of the pedestal, a biblical excerpt from Hebrew attracts the visitors :
Since we are surrounded by so great cloud of witnesses,
Let us lay aside every weight and the sin, which so easily ensnares us,
And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
This statue, facing his home on Richmond's proud and venerable Monument Avenue, is a memorial of its beloved son and the great tennis player, Arthur Ashe.
The Black Child
Born in Richmond, the capital of Virginia - one of the sports loving states of America - on July 10, 1943, Arthur was the first child of the Ashe couple. His father, Arthur Ashe, Sr was a park security guard. Arthur was a member of the 11th identifiable generation of the Ashe family that descended from a West African slave. Arthur's family heritage traced its line back to the relationship of an early governor of North Carolina, Samuel Ashe, with a slave African woman, who was traded for a bundle of tobacco in 1735 and brought to Yorktown, Virginia.
During his initial years, this son of a black and poor watchman was brought up in dire needs. The facilities were a dream for the Ashe family. As a child, Ashe was very shy. He inherited this calm and introspective nature from his mother, Mattie Cordell Cunningham Ashe. He called his coolness 'an adopted shield' with which he could make his way in the world of tennis, dominated by white players. Once, he revealed his heart openly in the later years, "Looking back, had I been white with the same talent, I'd have had a better record."
The Midas Touch
In the early 20th century, racism - the discrimination between the whites and the blacks - had raised a class of conservatives in the American society, which could not accept any black on the top of any field. Like other fields, sports was also dominated by white players and tennis was not an exception. When Arthur was four, his father became in-charge of the city's largest playground for blacks. The Ashe family moved into a five-room house. Little Arthur's new home was located in the middle of the seven-hectare park, Brookfield. He got a wide 'backyard' that included a swimming pool, basketball courts, three baseball fields, and the part that attracted the boy the most, four tennis courts. Arthur would sit for hours, looking at these courts, shaping his future in his little mind. These courts were the keys to his development as a future tennis-star.
Arthur was nicknamed, 'Skinny', as he was very thin and pale-faced. But he was not weak; his bones were strong enough to make him an athlete. During his early years, he would play on the courts, but there was nobody to guide him. When Arthur first held the racquet in his hand, he was so young that racquet dwarfed him. Despite that the little boy would keep playing with his favorite toy - the racquet.
Lost the Maternal Shelter
Arthur would spend hours reading and listening to music with his mother, Mattie. When asked once if he remembered his mother, Arthur said, "Oh, sure. I remember she taught me to read when I was four. And she taught me manners, and she taught me about angels."
When he was six, his mother died of heart attack at the young age of 27. Little Arthur's controlled and strong mind could be seen in how he reacted to the news of his mother's death. After the death of Mattie, when Arthur's father was weeping, sitting on his son's bed, the little lad held his father's hand with his little palm and said: "Don't cry, Daddy. As long we have each other, we'll be all right."
The Father and the Son
As a grown up, Arthur felt deserted but the foggy memory of his mother remained a long lasting inspiration to him. Bereft of maternal love, Arthur and his only brother, Johnnie, could come out of this state soon under the care of their loving father. As Arthur recalled those days, "My father was a strong, dutiful semi-literate, but he owned his own home and held jobs that were important to him…His love and caring were real to me from that Sunday morning in 1950, when he…told us between wrenching sobs that our mother had died during the night. From that time on he was father and mother to us. And the lesson he taught us was about reputation."
Arthur concentrated more on tennis practice and study, under the care of his father. As the time passed, Arthur Sr was piled with more professional responsibilities in addition to his household jobs. Apart from his full-time duties at the park, he ran landscape and janitorial businesses with a real estate firm. To earn more, he also did catering and chauffeuring. When the highway through Richmond was under construction, Arthur's father scrounged scrap lumber and bricks from torn down buildings. With the help of Arthur and Johnnie, he built a new home, a small world for three. Arthur was highly influenced by the capacity for hard work of his father. He once said, "My father's sense of discipline was simple: he knew what was best for his children, and he had only to give an order once. One of his commandments was, There's to be no loafing. If he isn't working or somewhere special, a man is supposed to be home."
His father was a strict disciplinarian. Arthur and his brother had to be accurate about timings. Their father had paced himself the boys' routes from school to home, which was exactly 12 minutes. In any case, if the boys were late, they would be accountable to their father. And if they had good explanations, like some social service, for example, helping the elders, he would forgive his children. 'You gain by helping others'; Arthur Sr would always teach his kids and would implement also. As his position improved a bit, he along with his sons began to distribute old clothes, food and wood to the needy families. His father's second lesson was : "You don't get anywhere by making enemies."
For Arthur, these two lessons were daily doses, poured into him by one or the other way that helped him to become a man with unparalleled character. The most important message his father gave him was to maintain good reputation. He hammered into Arthur, 'Without one's good reputation one is nothing'. Later Arthur analyzed his father's words, "It meant you were letting everybody down - your friends, your family, your history." Short but worth sermons by his father during the early years guided him throughout his tennis career and life.
The Diamond Glittered
While learning to play tennis in Richmond's Brookfield Park, Arthur could attract the attention of Richmond's most notable black coach Ronald Charity. He walked over to Arthur, stopped his practice and asked: "Would you like to learn how to play?"
Thus, seven-year-old Arthur stepped into the world of tennis. Impressed by his potential, Charity introduced him to Dr Walter Johnson, who had coached many promising tennis players, including the great Althea Gibson. Dr Johnson, an African-American physician and tennis patron from Lynchburg, Virginia, used to organize tennis camps for those who were denied access to 'white' courts. Being a staunch advocate of racial discrimination, he had encouraged the promising black youngsters to develop their skills at their best.
Charity arranged for Arthur to attend the summer camp at the home of Dr Johnson, and in 1953 Arthur left Richmond for the Lynchburg coaching camp with hopes in heart, racquet in hand and will to achieve something.
Dr Johnson and His Fellow
As he stepped in Lynchburg, the tough and real training period began for him. Dr Johnson welcomed him at his home, always open in the summers for the tennis students. Johnson, a coach with military-like discipline, taught Arthur the basic lessons of the game. Arthur's future success was rooted in his untiring efforts and incredible drive. During the summer camp, Arthur used to wake up early at 5 am to practice. Without a break, he would hit 500 balls, then take his breakfast and hit 500 more. His power and basic skills were shaping up under the training of Johnson.
Besides honing his natural skills, he helped to develop Arthur's insight. He taught him that tennis was a game, played on two fronts, within one's self and outside - on the court. To develop Arthur's 'inner' game, Johnson hammered in his mind; "Whatever happens, never lose your cool temper, my boy! If you enraged at the linesman or your opponent, it would be mere waste of energy and you have to save it for your court game." Many players were under his training, but Arthur was different. He had digested the theory of his coach to control his emotions on the court. Ashe's performance on the court, with uncanny self-control and concentration, was a gift of his tennis patron. The lessons he learned during Lynchburg summertime seminars helped to improve his backhands and smashes. In the matches played during the initial stage of his career, other players' fathers would say to Johnson, astonished, "My son was going to pieces. Your player never changed expression!"
When the summer camp ended, three qualities became obvious in Arthur's performance: deference, sharp show, and dedication towards the game.
The First Black Champ
Johnson had not to wait much to recognize the champion material in the skinny youngster. Playing for his Richmond City Public School in 1960, Arthur won his first title - the US National Junior Indoor Championship. It was the first USLTA national title to be won by an African-American player in the South America. With his success as a junior player in the ATA , an organization for African-American players, he became the first black player enlisted in the USLTA national ranking. For this tremendous achievement, the University of California at Los Angeles offered him a tennis scholarship. Arthur could see a bright future waiting to welcome him. His father's disciplinary lessons, his coach's tough training, and his own determination to reach at the peak of success had begun bearing the fruits.
Selected in the US Davis Cup Team
At the age of 18, Arthur, a young man of 6"1' with a lean physique, received an honorary diploma from Maggie L Walker High School in 1961. In the following two years, Arthur became famous among the American tennis officials. Along with his studies, he continued practicing tennis and also participated in many matches. Soon he got success to make an imprint on the minds of American tennis lovers. He became the first African-American player to win the US Men's Hard Court Championships. August 1, 1963 was the happiest day, not only for Arthur but also for the 'black' community in America, as he was selected to represent his nation in US Junior Davis Cup. He was going to maintain his place in the team for the next 10 years! Arthur took great pride for his selection, because earlier he could not even enter the Davis Cup team as he was denied to play in two of the five major junior level events, in Kentucky and Virginia, because of his 'skin' color.
In 1965, he captained his University team for the national college championship title. He won the NCAA title, winning singles and doubles championships, and led his UCLA team to the line of success.
US Open Champion
One year later, receiving a bachelor's degree in business administration from UCLA in 1966, Arthur Ashe served the United States Army Reserve for two years. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the army, but was granted permission for the tennis competitions. In 1968, he designed a grassroot tennis program to develop the skills of the remotely placed tennis players. Ashe's effort was the forerunner of today's USTA/NJTL program with 500 chapters, serving for 150,000 young promising players.
In the professional tennis circuit, Ashe had created a sensation. But still an amateur, he dominated the court in the final of the US Open held at Forest Hills on September 9, 1968. Serving 26 aces against Tom Okker of the Netherlands, Ashe became the only African-American player to win the prestigious US Open. The USLTA ranked Arthur Ashe No 1 along with the Australian tennis star, Rod Laver. This was one of the two events that had changed the direction of Ashe's life. His financial condition became much sounder when he went from earning $28 per diem as a US Davis Cup player to becoming the highest earning player till 1969.
The second event gave a new motive to his life. He supported a proposed boycott of the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. This issue, raised by the African-American athletes, was connected to a 'apartheid' - a protest against racial segregation in the Republic of South Africa. Ashe's future campaigns against the racial discrimination were rooted in this event.
Forming ATP and Winning Second Grand Slam
In the following years, he created a new world record. He became the first black man to win all four major tournaments in tennis, including the US Open. After leaving the US Army, Ashe turned to be professional, joining the professional tennis circuit in 1969. He played a key role in the success of four US Davis Cup championship teams; it was rooted in Ashe's brilliant performance. Around that period, an issue came to the forefront that helped shaping an activist lying within Ashe. With the growing popularity of tennis during the 1970s, the amount offered to the players was lagging disproportionately behind. He and other several players got together to build a firm platform for the professional tennis players. As a result, a group was formed - the ATP . It served as a governing body that looked after the international tennis events, the overseas rankings and the prize money given to the players. The foundation of ATP was a major event in the world of tennis. It was his vision to reward the players properly that today's top players can enjoy the handsome prize money in various competitions.
Another major event in Ashe's life came on January 26, 1970, when the 27-year-old tennis star surprised the 'Kangaroos', winning the Australian Open, the second of his three Grand Slam titles he won during his career. The next year, he won the French Open doubles title with his partner Marty Riessen.
'Sipho'
The year 1970 began with protest against the 'apartheid' system of the South African government. Ashe demanded to expel the nation from the International Lawn Tennis Federation . He also requested for the visa to travel to South Africa, a native of most of the African-American generation. But his application was denied. At last in 1973, South Africa granted him the visa. With this, Ashe became the first black professional to play in South Africa's national championships. In the South African Open final held at Johannesburg, he became the first African-American player to get through. With Tom Okker from Holland, whom he had defeated five years before in the US Open finals, Ashe won the doubles title too. Facilitating the promising African players, Ashe inaugurated a tennis clinic in Soweto. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a number of his fans that honored Ashe by presenting an amulet around his neck. During this event, all lips, except Ashe's, unanimously cheered; 'Sipho ! Sipho !' a Zulu word, meaning 'a gift from god'; this later became a nickname for Ashe.
During his three-week goodwill tour to Africa, Ashe's keen eyes found an unpolished gem; he was Yannick Noah. Ashe recognized Noah's talents as a tennis player and arranged for him to be sent to France to polish his skills. Noah, proving Ashe a 'talent-hunter', reached the final of the French Open, a Grand Slam event and won it. Under his captaincy, the French tennis team was on historic feat for the Davis Cup as Noah gave his nation its first victory in the prestigious tournament since 1932.
A Cool Protestor
The first half of 1970s was a decade of 'apartheid' as Ashe raised full-fledged voice against the racial segmentation. Using his nationally syndicated newspaper column and his TV appearances, Ashe called for racial equality. He made it clear that he spurned black separatism and wanted Blacks and Whites to unite, not divide. Arthur expressed his feelings in his 1975 book Portrait in Motion, "Some blacks - and some whites too - get mad because they feel I don't make enough waves… There are many ways of accomplishing things in the white world without compromising integrity."
Arthur was many a times challenged for his calm style of protest. One evening, at a friendly meet at Atlanta, Arthur was criticized by Jesse Jackson, the black political activist; "You're not arrogant enough, Arthur." For a while, Ashe stared at him with piercing eyes, than answered: "I'm not arrogant. But I don't think that my lack of arrogance lessens my effectiveness one bit."
'No Matter the Cost'
Ashe has left an indelible impression in sports history. He set a wonderful example of how important one's reputation could be. This event throws more light on this.
On a sunny day in 1973, Ashe was playing the singles final of a WCT tournament. His opponent was Stan Smith, who was not only a brilliant tennis player but also an impressive human being, known for his integrity. Ashe was much influenced by his good character. During the thrilling match, both players came to a crucial point. Smith stormed forward, racing to intercept a ball about to bounce a second time on his side of the net. When the point was over, Ashe had no doubt that the ball had bounced twice before he hit it, so the point was obviously in favor of Ashe. But as Smith argued that he had reached the ball in time, the Umpire was confused. Murmuring sound of the crowd could be heard in the air.
Ashe called Smith up to the net and asked; "Stan did you get to the ball?"
He answered, "I did, I got it."
With the answer, Ashe conceded the point. When the match ended, it ended in favor of Smith. Later, Ashe was asked by a reporter that why didn't he stick to his point, Ashe replied, "Was I so naive? How could I have taken Smith's word for it? But if Stan Smith says he got to the ball, he got to the ball. I trust his character."
Arthur Ashe's famous words are very much related to this event : "There are moments when the individual must stand alone. Nevertheless, it is crucial to me that people think of me as honest and principled. In turn, to ensure that they do, I must always act in an honest and principled fashion, no matter the cost."
Ashe not only proved but also lived these words 'no matter the cost'.
Though Stan Smith was a rival on court, he was also a friend of Ashe, and was impressed by his quality of encouraging others. Once when Smith lost the Australian open in the first round, Ashe slipped a note under the door of his room. The note read : 'Do not lose heart or faith in yourself.' From that day, Smith could not speak about Ashe's great sportsman spirit without getting choked up.
Sticking to His Guns
Ashe's unparalleled style and quality permeated his life off the court too. It did not surprise the people connected to the tennis world when Ashe was named president of ATP in 1974. Ashe cared deeply about the young players, injecting the doses of self-confidence into them. One of the most courageous men, Ashe stuck to high standards and could inspire others to attain highest standards. An event, happened in 1975, reflects more on it.
Ashe was playing in the Masters Tennis Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden. That match witnessed him to the best of his performance. His opponent, Ilie Nastase, was always volatile, but that day he was out of control. During the entire match, he kept stalling, cursing and taunting Ashe like a madman. The situation got worse. At last, though being on top with Nastase, Ashe put down his racquet and left the court telling the umpire, "I've had enough, I'm at the point where I'm afraid I'll lose control."
Everyone - the crowd, the officials and the umpire were shocked as Ashe was in winning position. The umpire tried to convince him to continue playing : "But Arthur, you'll default the match."
Ashe answered, "I don't care, I'd rather lose that than my self-respect."
It was an end of that court battle. The next morning, members of the tournament committee met to discuss about Ashe-Nastase match. Most of the members thought that if they disqualify Ashe, it would be stimulating the bullying tactics on the court. Ashe's impeccable behavior on the court compelled the committee members to decide that it was Nastase, not Ashe, who had ruined the match with his unsporting conduct.
It was the victory of Ashe's insistence on maintaining discipline on and off the court.
Winning Third Grand Slam
The year 1975 was the most consistent season for Ashe as he won the 'Gentleman's Singles' title, playing on center court at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon. On July 5, 1975, he won Wimbledon singles title, defeating Jimmy Connors, his compatriot, by 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. Dethroning Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe was declared No 1 tennis player in the world and was named the ATP Player of the Year. With the victory, Ashe became the only black man to win the world's most prestigious Grass Court tournament and also the first and only African-American player to secure three Grand Slam Titles. Appreciating Ashe, President Lyndon Johnson said : "Brooke is the only Senator we got; and Marshall the only justice; and Ashe the only tennis player."
Later, reflecting on his 1975 Wimbledon championship, Ashe said, "When I took the match point, all the effort, all the support I had received over the years came together. It's a long way from Brookfield to Wimbledon."
Taking the Holy Vows
In this happiest moment, Ashe was not alone; there was someone taking deep interest in him. She was Jeanne Moutoussamy, a professional photographer. During a tennis tournament in later half of 1976, Jeanne and Ashe became friends. While taking Ashe's snaps, Jeanne found herself caught in the magical black eyes of Ashe. Though busy touring, Ashe maintained the relationship by regular correspondence, sharing his day-to-day events of life. Their love began from a click and ended in a wedding snap on February 20, 1977. Andrew Young, the US ambassador to the UN performed the wedding ceremony at the UN Chapel in New York. Jeanne always shared Ashe's extraordinary concern for others.
A decade later, the Ashe couple had a daughter, Camera Elizabeth. The affectionate relationship between the father and the daughter remained continued till Ashe's last breath.
Leaving the Court
In the second half of the '70s, Ashe continued his victorious march, winning the Australian open doubles title with Tony Roche in 1977. Two years later, he reached the semi-final of the Wimbledon. But this tournament became the last of his legendary career as he suffered a heart attack in New York, on July 31, 1979. For 10 days, he was kept under medical observation and on December 13, he underwent quadruple-bypass surgery. The postoperative months were painful for Ashe, and he decided to retire from the competitive tennis. On April 16, 1980, he bid farewell to professional tennis, with a professional record total of 818 wins and total 51 titles in his pocket.
"It's very hard for an athlete to leave center stage," he said. "What do you replace it with?"
A Campaigner
Ashe's post-retirement life led to the rebirth of an activist. On September 7, 1980, Ashe, aged 38, was appointed captain of the US Davis Cup team from 1981 to 1985. During the former two years he brought victory for his team. In 1981, he began to concentrate into other professional areas like media, journalism and philanthropic endeavors. His tennis campaigns, his protests against the racial policy of South Africa, and his much-debated issue of higher academic standards for all athletes created a sensation among the world of media, and Ashe became a hot favorite celebrity.
In mid-1980s, a media person asked Ashe : "How is it that I have never heard anyone say anything bad about you? How is it that you have never heard anyone say anything bad about you? How is it that you have never cursed an umpire, or punched an opponent, or gotten a little drunk or disorderly? Why are you such a goody goody ?"
Before he could finish the question, Ashe began laughing, recalling his childhood. He replied : "I guess I have never misbehaved because I'm afraid that if I did anything like that, my father would come straight up from Virginia, find me wherever I happen to be, and kick my ___…"
Aware of the necessity of self-control and discipline in every field, Ashe disdained the behavior that tried to explain away every wrongdoing as an act beyond the individual's control. His belief was, "Poverty, the deterioration of schools and the proliferation of single parent families are factors, of course, … still there are not enough people who will stand up and say That's wrong."
Some black political leaders and educators opposed a rule that denied college scholarships to the players, who could not reach minimum test scores and academic standards. They allege the rule to be racially biased and Ashe opposed such views openly : "The more that is expected of black and white kids, the more they will demand of themselves." Playing a neutral role in this issue, he did not spare the white administrators too. In a satiric way, he said : "You don't really care about us as students. You care about us as athletes to fill your stadiums and arenas."
In 1981, Ashe was made the chairman of the American Heart Association, the only non-medical member of the NHLBAC . He also worked as a commentator of HBO Sports and ABC Sports TV channels. His columns in The Washington Post and Tennis Magazine became very popular.
Though busy with such campaigns, Ashe would utilize his time in writing, public speaking, teaching, business and social service. During this phase, once he passed by the slum quarters where he met the slum children. When asked them, "What do you want to be ?" One boy answered, "Michael Jordan." Ashe told the children, "Why not own the team that has Michael Jordan ?"
To prepare the players like Jordan, and to broaden the poor kids' imagination, Ashe formed the Safe Passage Foundation, an organization that has instructed thousands of children to develop their skills in different sports, like tennis, golf and fencing.
In the Jaws of AIDS
In the second half of his life, everything was going smooth. But it was not to be, because of constant heart trouble, Ashe once again underwent double-bypass surgery on June 21, 1983. Post-operative sluggishness and uneasiness led the doctors to give him a blood transfusion to boost his energy.
After recovery, Ashe restarted his activities, including anti-apartheid campaigns, for which he was also arrested outside the South African embassy in Washington on January 11, 1985. Exactly after two months and 10 days, he was bestowed with the most prestigious honor in the tennis world, getting named in the Tennis Hall of Fame. Three years later, Ashe's memorable book, A Hard Road to Glory: A History of the African-American Athlete was published. To publish this three-volume book, covering the struggle of the black players during last four decades, Ashe had spent six years of his life and $3,00,00 of his own pocket!
In 1988, Ashe's health began to deteriorate again. After feeling numbness in the right hand, Ashe was hospitalized and was operated for the third time, but this time on brain. During medical tests, Doctors diagnosed that he had toxoplasmosis, a bacterial infection often present in the patients suffering from today's most threatening disease, Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome - AIDS.
The results were shocking, but somehow he kept his illness to himself, his wife and few intimate friends for three years. In 1991, he visited South Africa again as a part of 31-member delegation of well-known African-Americans deputed to observe the political changes in the nation as it approached integration.
After returning to New York, he tried to live a normal life. But when pressurized from a national newspaper, USA Today, Ashe, prior to persistence of rumors, called a press conference. Just a few months after the world-renowned athlete Magic Johnson's shocking declaration that he was HIV-positive, on the morning of April 8, 1992, Ashe publicly disclosed that he suffered from AIDS. He also tried to explain that he was not at fault anywhere, saying: "We are 100 per cent sure that the cause of my HIV infection was a blood transfusion either after my 1979 bypass operation or my 1983 operation. We are 95 percent sure it was the 83 operation." After his admission, the world praised his frankness and almost from the heart of every sports lover, compassion and support sprang toward him, which empowered Ashe.
The Battle Went On
Despite being knocked down by AIDS, Ashe never complained. During his last decades, he channelized his energy into social welfare and worked with the spirit of a global citizen. He felt unburdened with the admission of having AIDS. With such spirit, he again jumped into the campaigns that he liked. On September 2, 1992, he flew for Washington DC from New York. There he addressed several meetings, raising voice against the US immigration policy for Haitians. He called for humane treatment to these refugees. Protesting the US crackdown on Haitian refugees, he courted arrest along with his supporters outside the White House.
He said that night, "It does wonders for your outlook, I am sure it released a torrent of endorphins. Marching in protest is a liberating experience. It's Cathartic. It's one of the great moments you can have in your life."
He campaigned and raised millions of dollars for the humane causes like the upliftment of the Black and the AIDS patients. Finding the US government's funding for the AIDS research insufficient, Ashe began a campaign to raise $5 million for the noble purpose. He contributed into the United Negro College Fund and for AIDS research. To help the patients of AIDS, he established AAFDA . This international foundation was aimed to increase public awareness of AIDS, to provide treatment to AIDS patients, and to promote vital research for them. Ashe himself rallied professional tennis to raise funds for this foundation. Founding a number of institutes for various charity causes, including the AAFDA and AHA, he responded to what Kenny Moore called "a series of summonses from causes close to his heart, one being that heart itself." On December 1, 1992, on World AIDS Day, Ashe was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly. He called the delegates to help people from all over the world to increase the knowledge about the disease and its effects, and to boost funding for AIDS research.
For the development of tennis, Ashe established inner-city tennis programs and also a mentor organization named Virginia Heroes.
He used his fame to help erode South Africa's apartheid policy, the protest continued since more than one decade. Impressed by his untiring fight for the rights of the black, well-known African leader Nelson Mandela, when released after 27 years imprisonment, when asked by a media person to whom in America he wished to visit, the first name that he uttered was Arthur Ashe.
Living His Last Year
What Ashe accomplished in the last 10 months of his life was amazing. Despite being ill, he continued working at his maximum ability. When one of his friends, Charles Pasarell asked him if he was afraid of death, Ashe answered, "It doesn't frighten me… If I asked 'Why me ?' about my troubles, I would have to ask, 'Why me ?' about my blessings. Why my winning Wimbledon ? Why my marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a wonderful child ?
During this critical period, his 'wonderful child', Camera, had accompanied him at every step. When Ashe took his AIDS medicine, she would jump into his lap and kiss her father's cheeks. Ashe bought a dollhouse for his darling daughter and decorated it himself. His desire was to see Camera learn dancing, take college education and marry - the same dreams that Ashe's mother had too, but she did not live to see him realize them. Ashe would often take a walk with Camera, hand in hand, around the courts of Wimbledon's All England Club. Two months before his death, Ashe once told a friend; "I just wanted her to see where Daddy played… You come to realize that life is short, and you have to step up. Don't feel sorry for me. Much is expected of those who are strong."
Leaving the 'Game'
Two days before he died, he completed his last creation, Days of Grace. The last chapter of the book was written in a letter format to his dear daughter. Five months prior to his 50th birthday, on February 6, 1993, Ashe breathed his last in New York. The cause of his death was AIDS related pneumonia. His body was laid to rest in his birthplace Richmond, at the Virginia Governor's mansion. He was the first person who was laid in state at the mansion since Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate General in 1863. More than 5,000 mourners paid homage to their loving tennis star. His funeral held on February 10, at the Ashe Athletic Center in Richmond was attended by nearly 6,000 people that included prominent authorities like New York City Mayor David Dinkins, Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder, Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown and Rainbow Coalition Chairman Jesse Jackson. Former UN ambassador, Andrew Young and the mayor of Atlanta City delivered their homage through messages.
At the age of 22, Ashe once said : "It's my life, and a hundred years from now nobody will know or care about it." But the last day of his life disproved it. Ashe was lying in a casket. Ignoring the severe cold, his fans, from all communities, were standing in a queue, silently waiting to pray for to their 'black' hero. It was the same Richmond Ashe left before many decades because of its racism. And it was the same Richmond welcoming him again home. The row of his fans looked like a long chain made of black and white beads.
Ashe's life had ebbed, but not his values. They are still alive in his immortal message he conveyed to his daughter, Camera, mentioned in Days of Grace :
"I may not be walking with you all the way, or even much of the way, as I walk with you now. Don't be angry with me if I am not there in person, alive and well, when you need me. I would like nothing more than to be with you always. Do not feel sorry for me if I am gone. When we were together, I loved you deeply and you gave me so much happiness I can never repay you. Camera, wherever I am, when you feel sick at heart and weary of life or when you stumble and fall and don't know if you can get up again; think of me. I will be watching and smiling and cheering you on."
Grown up among the limited means and opportunities, and as a youth compelled to play on the segregated courts, the lawn tennis player, Arthur Ashe could create his own place in a white man's game with the help of his talent, determination and love for the game. The first and the only black man to be No 1 twice and to win three Grand Slams, he created the tennis boom of the 1970s along with Billie Jean King, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors.
An African-American lawn tennis player and an anti-apartheid activist of the 20th century, he was a child of racial segregation. Arthur Ashe was a symbol inspiring the generation of blacks to enter the formerly uninviting fields.
His life was a mixture of losses and wins. Though he suffered from AIDS in the later decades, he never gave up or was disheartened. His control, on and off the court, was unique. Giving a new direction to his life, he spent rest of him life serving the society. He taught mankind the lessons of self-respect and dignity. The truly 'free' black man, the world has ever seen, Ashe proved himself a champion, not only of sports but also of mankind.
Andrew Yong, former US delegate to the United Nations, has truly evaluated this 'black pearl':
"He took the burden of the race and wore it as a cloak of dignity."
July 10, 1943
Born in Richmond, Virginia, US.
1950
Death of his mother.
Began playing tennis.
1953
Began training with Dr Robert Walter Johnson, a tennis coach.
1956-61
Won several amateur tennis events, including the US National Junior Indoor Championship.
1961
Graduated with first rank from the Summer High School.
August 1, 1963
Became the first black athlete to be named for the US Davis Cup Team.
June 21, 1965
Won the NCAA singles championship,
Led UCLA Team.
1966
Received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of California.
1968
Became the only amateur and the only black ever to win the US Amateur Championship and the US Open title.
1969
Joined the professional tennis circuit.
Formed ATP with some other tennis players.
1970
Won the Australian Open Singles title.
Appealed for the expulsion of South Africa from the International Lawn Tennis Federation, protesting her apartheid system.
1973
Became the first black professional player to participate in South Africa's national championship.
July 5, 1975
Became the first black player to win the Wimbledon singles title.
February 20, 1977
Married Jeanne Moutoussamy, a professional photographer.
July 31, 1979
Suffered from first heart attack.
December 13, 1979
Underwent quadruple-bypass surgery.
April 16, 1980
Retired from competitive tennis.
September 7, 1980
Became caption of the US Davis Cup team.
1981
Served as National Chairman of the American Heart Association.
June 21, 1983
Underwent double-bypass surgery and received a blood transfusion.
June 11, 1985
Arrested during an anti-apartheid protest in Washington.
March 21, 1985
Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
December 21, 1986
His only daughter, Camera Elizabeth Ashe born at New York.
1988
Medical tests confirmed that Ashe had AIDS.
April 8, 1992
Publicly confessed of having AIDS.
September 9, 1992
Arrested in Washington while protesting the US crackdown on Haitian refugees.
December 1, 1992
Addressed the United Nations General Assembly on the World AIDS Day.
February 6, 1993
Died in New York, US.
• One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation."
• "From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life."
• "Drummed into me, above all, by my dad, by the whole family, was that without your good name, you would be nothing."
• "A good name is worth more than diamonds and gold."
• "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome."
• "You learn about equality in history and civics, but you find out life is not really like that."
• "The ideal attitude is to be physically loose and mentally tight."
• "If you're paid before you walk on the court, what's the point in playing as if your life depended on it?"
• "We must reach out our hand in friendship and dignity both."
• "Clothes and manners do not make the man; but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance."
• "We must believe in the power of education."
• "My humanity, in common with all of God's children, gives the greatest flight to the full range of my possibilities."
• "True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."
• "Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory."
• On his style of play :
"What it is controlled cool, in a way. Always have the situation under control, even if losing. Never betray an inward sense of defeat."
• "I don't care who you are, you're going to choke in certain matches. You get to a point where your legs don't move and you can't take a deep breath. You start to hit the ball about a yard wide, instead of inches."
• "There are moments when the individual must stand alone. Nevertheless, it is crucial to me that people think of me as honest and principled. In turn to ensure that they do, I must always act in an honest and principled fashion, no matter the cost."
• "Some folks call tennis a rich people's sport or a white person's game. I guess… I started too early, because I just thought it was something…fun to do. Later, I discovered there was a lot of work to being good in tennis. You've got to make a lot sacrifices and spend a lot a time if you really want to achieve with this sport, or in any sport, or in anything truly worthwhile."
-The first African-American player to be selected to captain the US Davis Cup Team.
-Johnston Award in 1964, a prestigious honor bestowed annually upon the American tennis player who contributes highest for the development of the sport while exhibiting good character and sportsmanship.
-Winner of NCAA individual and UCLA team championships in 1965.
-The only black male tennis player to win the US Open (1968) and Wimbledon (1975).
-First African-American player to win three Grand Slam Singles Titles.
-Presidentship of ATP in 1974.
-Captaincy of Davis Cup team in 1981.
-Laurel Wreath Award by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in 1986.
-Inducted into the UCLA Sports Hall of Fame.
-Inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
-Inducted into the Eastern Tennis Association Hall of Fame.
-The First inductee into the US Professional Tennis Association Hall of Fame.
-Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame (1985).
-Twice ranked No 1 tennis player, the first and only black male player, in the world.
-Received honorary doctorates from a number of Universities including: Virginia Union University, Dartmouth University, Princeton University, Virginia Commonwealth University, South Carolina University.
-The first athlete, without a link with the Olympic Games, to be coveted Olympic Order.
-The Emmy Award for authoring a TV documentary drama based on his work - A Hard Road to Glory : A History of the African-American Athlete
-Received the first Annual AIDS Leadership Award from the Harvard AIDS Institute.
-Named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year in 1992
-In the honor of the great tennis player, USTA renamed the USTA Stadium as the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The stadium, where Ashe became the US Open Champion as an amateur in 1968, has become the permanent site of the US Open.
