Billie Jean King said: “If it hadn’t been for her, it wouldn’t have been so easy for Arthur Ashe or the ones who followed.”
Yasmin Clarke, a former elite player who comes from a tennis family, said: “I was introduced to Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe from a really young age. My dad always made a point of showing us these incredible players as we were growing up and finding our way in tennis.
“I think there’s a real connection between these generations of players who have challenged perceptions of what a tennis player looks like and the diversity in tennis today.
“Althea opened doors that had previously been closed, and Venus and Serena changed the sport forever. I think the real power of these women is that they’ve helped generations of young Black players see tennis as a sport where they can succeed and thrive.”
Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong, who is of Laotian descent, recalls tennis still being a white-dominated sport early in her playing career.
“Now, when I look at British tennis, I do feel that we have come a long way and it is more diverse, from junior tennis all the way through to professional tennis,” she said.
“I think it is fantastic, and I do think the Williams sisters have contributed a lot to not just tennis but sport and how women of colour are seen. Tennis is now more diverse and hopefully stronger for it.”
Clarke is now a member of the LTA Board Member and a Councillor, and Level 5 Master Tennis Coach. “I think we’re making some really positive progress, but there’s still plenty to do,” she said.
“Our vision of Tennis Opened Up is about making tennis a sport for everyone. Ultimately, I’d love us to reach a point where someone’s background is never a barrier to what they can achieve in tennis.
“I don’t want the next generation to have to be trailblazers, just to simply feel that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. That’s the legacy I think we should all be working towards.”
Article written by Neil McLeman
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