1950 — Althea Gibson becomes the first black player to compete in the U.S. Open. Gibson wins her first round match, defeating Barbara Knapp of Britain 6-2, 6-2, at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y.

Althea Gibson, forecourt, of New York City, makes a point return to Barbara Knapp of England during the National Tennis Championship in Forest Hills, New York, Aug. 28, 1950. Gibson, the first African American ever to play it the event, scored 6-2, 6-2 to win over the opponent. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)