Althea Gibson: A Trailblazer in Tennis

Alia Gibson, born in 1927, overcame racial discrimination to become the first black tennis player to win a Grand Slam. Despite facing segregation, she excelled in the American Tennis Association and later broke into the US LTA. Alia achieved international success, winning major titles in the 1950s. After retiring, she played exhibition matches, wrote an autobiography, and joined the women's pro golf circuit. Despite financial struggles later in life, her legacy as a trailblazer in sports endures.

What was a significant challenge Althea Gibson faced in her early tennis career?

• Racial discrimination

• Financial difficulties

• Lack of interest in sports

• Injury setbacks

Which organization did Althea Gibson dominate by winning the women's singles championship 10 years in a row?

• United States Tennis Association

• World Tennis Association

• International Tennis Federation

• American Tennis Association

In which year did Althea Gibson become the first African-American to enter a US national tennis competition?

• 1955

• 1950

• 1960

• 1945

What major achievement did Althea Gibson accomplish in 1956?

• Became the first African-American to win a major tennis title

• Won the US Open

• Retired from professional tennis

• Became a tennis coach

What was a significant challenge for tennis players during Althea Gibson's era?

• No prize money for tournaments

• Lack of professional coaching

• Strict dress codes

• Limited access to tennis courts

After retiring from tennis, what sport did Althea Gibson pursue professionally?

• Basketball

• Golf

• Soccer

• Baseball

What was the title of Althea Gibson's autobiography?

• Breaking Barriers

• The Champion's Journey

• I Always Wanted to Be Somebody

• My Life in Tennis

In which year was Althea Gibson inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame?

• 1971

• 1980

• 1990

• 1965

What role did Althea Gibson serve in New Jersey after her tennis career?

• Mayor

• Sports Coach

• Commissioner of Athletics

• Governor

What did the tennis community do to support Althea Gibson during her financial struggles?

• Organized a charity tournament

• Raised money for her

• Offered her a coaching position

• Provided her with a scholarship