Why Me? - The Great Story of The Great Soul Arthur Robert Ashe

Story of Arthur Ashe, The first black Wimbledon World Tennis Champion, he was the first black person to win the Wimbledon World Tennis championship in 1975, in Barcelona. He was very famous in those times, he was a man of values, ethics, and morals.

In 1983, during his bypass surgery procedure, he mistakenly received blood contaminated by the HIV virus. And Arthur Ashe, the man of fame, the star, just got a massive hit on his life and career.

One of his very big fans wrote him a letter, asking Arthur, You are a very good person, you have done hard work in your life and you are inspiring in many ways, but we are sad about your disease, Despite all of this why god choose you for this suffering? Why You Arthur?

The answer is very inspirational and can help a lot in our lives. He replied that there are 50 million people worldwide, who start playing tennis, out of those 5 million learn to play, 500k learn how to play it professionally, out of them 50k play in some tournaments, out of that only 50 reach Wimbledon, out of them 2 reach semi-final and final, and out of them, when I was holding the winner cup of the championship, I DID NOT ASK GOD, WHY ME? Why should I ask god now, WHY ME?

When we grow in our life, we achieve something, we progress, we don't ask god why me? That time we give credit to ourselves. And when something happens in our life, then we start blaming him, and we lose faith as well.

Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. was a renowned American tennis player, humanitarian, and civil rights activist who left an indelible mark on the world of sports and society at large. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the life, career, and legacy of Arthur Ashe, while exploring his contributions to tennis, his advocacy for social justice, and his enduring impact on both the sporting world and the broader society.

 

Brief highlight of his great life

Early Life and Education:

Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. was born on July 10, 1943, in Richmond, Virginia, USA. He grew up in a racially segregated society, where systemic racism and discrimination were pervasive. Despite these challenges, Ashe displayed exceptional intellectual and athletic abilities from a young age. His father, Arthur Ashe Sr., worked as a caretaker for Brook Field Recreation Association, a segregated park in Richmond, where young Arthur learned to play tennis on public courts.

Ashe attended Maggie L. Walker High School, a segregated institution for African-American students. His talent for tennis was evident, and he quickly became a standout player in the local and regional tennis circuits. In 1960, he won the National Junior Indoor singles title, which marked the beginning of his ascent in the world of tennis.

After graduating from high school, Ashe attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on a tennis scholarship. At UCLA, he continued to excel both academically and athletically. He graduated with a degree in business administration in 1966, all while maintaining his commitment to tennis.

 

Tennis Career:

Arthur Ashe's tennis career was distinguished by his remarkable talent, sportsmanship, and groundbreaking achievements. He was known for his smooth playing style, powerful serve, and impeccable court demeanor.

Grand Slam Success: Ashe's most significant achievement came in 1968 when he won the first Grand Slam tournament he entered, the U.S. Open. This victory made him the first African-American man to win a major tennis championship. In the years that followed, he reached the finals of several other Grand Slam events, including the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon.

Davis Cup Success: Ashe was a vital member of the United States Davis Cup team during the 1960s and 1970s. He played a pivotal role in securing the Davis Cup for the U.S. team in 1968 and 1969. His contributions to the Davis Cup made him a national hero and a symbol of pride for many Americans.

Wimbledon Triumph: In 1975, Ashe achieved one of the most memorable moments in his career by winning Wimbledon. His victory at the prestigious grass-court tournament was historic, as he became the first African-American man to claim the Wimbledon singles title.

Consistency and Endurance: Throughout his career, Ashe consistently ranked among the top tennis players in the world. He maintained a high level of play for over a decade, earning a total of 33 singles titles and 18 doubles titles. His remarkable endurance and dedication to the sport were evident in his longevity as a top-ranked player.

Ashe's contributions to tennis extended beyond his personal achievements. He was an advocate for sportsmanship and fair play, setting an example for future generations of athletes. He was known for his composure on the court, even in high-pressure situations, and his commitment to using his platform for positive change.

Also read: Is it Time for Virat Kohli to Retire?

Social Activism:

In addition to his tennis career, Arthur Ashe was a passionate advocate for social justice and civil rights. He used his status as a prominent athlete to address issues of racial inequality and promote positive change in society.

Opposition to Apartheid: Ashe was an outspoken critic of apartheid in South Africa, and he used his influence to advocate for its abolition. He called for an international boycott of South African sports, including tennis, to protest the apartheid regime's racial segregation policies.

Education and Access: Ashe was committed to improving education and access to opportunities for underprivileged children, particularly in urban areas. He established the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, both of which aimed to address health disparities and provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

HIV/AIDS Awareness: In 1992, Ashe revealed that he had contracted HIV through a blood transfusion during heart surgery. He became an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and research, working to dispel myths and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. He co-authored a memoir, "Days of Grace," in which he shared his experiences and perspectives on living with HIV.

Legacy of Social Activism: Arthur Ashe's legacy as a social activist is deeply intertwined with his legacy as a tennis player. He demonstrated that athletes could use their platforms to address important social issues and effect positive change. His commitment to justice, equality, and education continues to inspire athletes and activists around the world.

 

Personal Life:

Arthur Ashe's personal life was marked by his dedication to his family and his unwavering commitment to his principles. He married Jeanne Moutoussamy in 1977, and they had a daughter named Camera. Ashe's battle with HIV/AIDS in the last years of his life brought attention to the disease and its impact on individuals and communities.

Tragically, Arthur Ashe passed away on February 6, 1993, at the age of 49 due to complications related to AIDS. His death was a loss not only to the tennis world but also to the broader community of advocates for social justice and equality.

 

Legacy:

Arthur Ashe's legacy is multifaceted and enduring, with significant impacts in several key areas:

Tennis: Ashe's achievements in tennis broke racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of African-American athletes. He remains a symbol of excellence and sportsmanship in the sport.

Social Activism: Ashe's advocacy for civil rights, racial equality, and HIV/AIDS awareness left a lasting mark on the world. He demonstrated the power of athletes to effect change and inspired others to use their platforms for social justice.

Education and Health: His foundations, the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, continue to support education and health initiatives that benefit underserved communities.

HIV/AIDS Awareness: Ashe's openness about his HIV diagnosis helped raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. His advocacy contributed to advances in HIV/AIDS research and treatment.

Sportsmanship: Ashe's exemplary sportsmanship and fair play on the tennis court continue to be celebrated and serve as a model for athletes worldwide.

In recognition of his contributions, numerous awards, honors, and institutions have been named after Arthur Ashe, including the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main venue for the U.S. Open tennis tournament. His life story has been the subject of documentaries, books, and films, ensuring that his legacy endures for future generations.

In conclusion, Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. was not only a tennis legend but also a champion of social justice, equality, and education. His remarkable journey from the racially segregated courts of Richmond, Virginia, to the pinnacle of tennis success serves as a source of inspiration for athletes and activists alike. His enduring legacy continues to remind us of the transformative power of sports and the importance of using one's platform for the greater good of society. Arthur Ashe's impact on the world extends far beyond the tennis court, making him a true icon and trailblazer in the realms of sports and social change.