Venus and Serena Williams to Headline First Night Session at US Open
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Aug 23, 2007 | Print |
As part of a star-studded tribute to Althea Gibson, Venus and Serena Williams will be thrilling the crowds Monday night at the US Open.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Gibson’s monumental Grand Slam achievement, and in honor of the 1957 champion, the United States Tennis Association will be hosting a special ceremony before the start of the night’s competition.
Following the ceremony, which is expected to feature noted celebrities and athletes including Aretha Franklin, Cynthia Cooper, Vonetta Flowers, Zina Garrison, Phylicia Rashad, and Dr. Mae Jemison, former US Open champions Venus and Serena Williams will be taking to the court for their first round matches.
2000 and 2001 champion Venus Williams will be playing her first match on Arthur Ashe stadium this year against a qualifier.
“Althea Gibson is a true pioneer and trailblazer. She broke through racial barriers in tennis in pre-civil rights times and I will always be grateful to her for having the strength and the courage to triumph in extreme adversity,” said Venus Williams about Gibson’s legacy.
“Her accomplishments set the stage for my success, and through players like me, Serena, and many others to come, her legacy will live on.”
Serena Williams, who won the title in 1999 and 2002, will open her pursuit of a ninth Grand Slam title against Germany’s Angelique Kerber.
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Will.I.Am | Aug 23, 2007 | Reply
YEAAA!!!! I can’t wait for the tribute. I’m gonna cry.