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Wimbledon Commemorates 50 Years Since Arthur Ashe’s Barrier-Breaking Victory

A red phone box playing Arthur Ashe’s match commentary in Wimbledon’s queue highlights organisers’ 50th anniversary tributes.

Image
Ashe shakes hands with Jimmy Connors after the 1975 Wimbledon final.
Arthur Ashe with the Wimbledon trophy after he beat the defending champion Jimmy Connors in four sets, 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 6th July 1975. (Photo by Staff/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
Ashe takes part in a demonstration outside the White House in 1992, protesting the Bush administration's policy on Haitian refugees. He was later arrested during the protest.

Overview

  • Organisers have invited Ashe’s family to join distinguished guests in the Royal Box on Centre Court to honour his historic win.
  • Wimbledon’s museum and tunnel displays trace Ashe’s journey from segregated courts in Richmond to becoming the first Black men’s singles champion.
  • A red phone box installation in the tournament queue plays audio from Ashe’s 1975 final against Jimmy Connors for arriving fans.
  • World No. 12 Frances Tiafoe and former finalist MaliVai Washington have cited Ashe as a guiding influence on their careers.
  • Ashe’s activism after the 1968 assassinations and his later AIDS awareness advocacy continue to define his off-court legacy.