US Open to honor Gibson win's 50th anniversary

　　US Open to honor Gibson win's 50th anniversary

　　AFP

　　August 15, 2007

　　NEW YORK (AFP) - The 50th anniversary of Althea Gibson becoming the first black player to win a title at what is now the US Open will be honored at an August 27 ceremony, the US Tennis Association said Wednesday.

　　The opening-night ceremony at the year's final Grand Slam tournament will pay tribute to Gibson breaking the color barrier in tennis in 1950 and becoming also the first black winner at the French Open in 1956 and Wimbledon in 1957.

　　The tribute to Gibson, whose 11 Grand Slam titles include six in doubles, will include barrier breakers in sports, arts, politics and entertainment.

　　Among those in attendance will be singer Aretha Franklin, who will perform, heptathlon legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee, retired tennis icon Billie Jean King and the widow of Jackie Robinson, US baseball's first black player.

　　"Althea Gibson is a true pioneer and trailblazer," said Venus Williams, who together with her sister Serena have at times dominated women's tennis.

　　"She broke through racial barriers in tennis in pre-civil rights times and I will always be grateful to her for having the strength and the courage to triumph in extreme adversity.

　　"Her accomplishments set the stage for my success, and through players like me, Serena, and many others to come, her legacy will live on."