He won the US national men's singles title at Forest Hills and the first US Open 1968. Known for his exceptionally strong serve, Ashe turned professional 1969. He won the Australian men's title 1970 and Wimbledon 1975. Cardiac problems ended his playing career 1979, but he continued his involvement with the sport as captain of the US Davis Cup team. In 1992 he launched a fund-raising campaign to combat AIDS, which he had contracted from a blood transfusion. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Ashe began playing tennis in an environment that was hostile to black participation in a traditionally white sport.
