It was fifty years ago today- September 9, 1968- the first ever U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at the West Side Tennis Club came to and end with Arthur Ashe a 25 year old African-American amateur who was a Lieutenant in the US Army- defeating Tom Okker of The Netherlands 14-12, 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to win his first Grand Slam title. On the women’s side Virginia Wade of Great Britain defeated Billie Jean King 6-4, 6-2. This was the first time the US Open was open to both amateur’s and professionals- previously it was an amateur tournament. In those days they played on a grass surface. 96 men and 68 women entered the tournament.
slicethelife 
Was a big fan of Arthur Ashe! Sad he later became a victim of a bad heart and bad health care.
Arthur was a real class act. His win at Wimbledon in 75 very memorable.