Black Women Athletes Take Center Court At US Open

With the US Open fascinating New York and the worldwide sports activities world, one factor everybody appears to be serving up is Black Lady Magic.

As former US Open champs and sisterly rivals Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff put together to face one another but once more on Sept. 1, Black girls have taken middle courtroom on the tennis competitors. The second additionally comes because the US Open paid tribute to Althea Gibson, one of many first Black girls to interrupt the colour boundaries in tennis.

A two-week celebration marked “75 Years of Breaking Boundaries” highlighted Gibson’s enduring legacy for Black girls tennis gamers. The distinction included a efficiency by the marching band of Gibson’s alma mater, Florida A&M College, in addition to quick movies narrated by Venus Williams.

Following Gibson’s footsteps, main Black girls tennis gamers have entered the match, corresponding to Gauff, Osaka, Williams, and Taylor Townsend. Rightfully so, they’re reclaiming their crowns as legends and formidable opponents, whereas stopping any misogynoir in its tracks.

Townsend made headlines after checking opponent Jelena Ostapenko who made offensive feedback towards her after profitable. Her fellow Black gamers additionally caught up for her, with Osaka noting at a press convention that Ostapenko’s feedback had been “one of many worst” remarks you would say to a Black participant.

The solidarity amongst Black feminine athletes continued, with the match catching a candy second between Gauff and all-time gymnast Simone Biles. The 2 champions hyped one another up as followers of each other, with Biles telling Gauff that she has been “popping off” together with her a number of wins.

Black girls have dominated the game for many years, with unique rivals like Gibson and the Williams sisters paving the best way. The eldest Williams, Venus, stored the momentum as she competed whereas serving her personal appears. Whereas Williams competed within the doubles class, she got here out swinging with a customized ERL match with an accompanying fur racket bag.

Unapologetically Black, trendy, and serving, the last word Black woman tennis showcase will happen Sept. 1 between Gauff and Osaka. The Spherical 4 match-up may have each girls competing towards each other since their 2019 look on the U.S Open. Nonetheless, regardless of being on opposing sides, the 2 stay in help of each other as they each struggle for the singles title.

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