Legendary Arthur Ashe recognised at Tennis Black List Awards

American tennis legend Arthur Ashe was one of several star-studded names honoured at the 2025 Tennis Black List Awards.

Ashe ranks as one of the most legendary players in the history of the sport and was a tireless advocate for social justice, racial equality, and HIV/AIDS awareness, and was the first black man to win in the Men’s Singles at The Championships at Wimbledon, doing so in 1975.

Ashe who passed away in 1993 from AIDS-related pneumonia honoured with the Icon award at this year’s edition of the Tennis Black List awards, presented in association with Dante Talent and held during the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club, London on the 11th of June, supported by the LTA.

The award is given to those who have storied individuals who have impacted tennis in a profound and global way and the Tennis Black List founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo revealed it was a no-brainer honouring Ashe’s legacy this year.

Sackey Addo said: “Where do you start? It’s an honour to be able to recognise someone who has had such a lasting impact on the sport. 

“When we talk about his achievements on the court 50 years ago, winning Wimbledon as the first black man to win Wimbledon, no black man has done it since and to do that in an era where there were fantastic other players and players who didn’t look like him is incredible.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to honour him and it’s a privilege to get to know the Arthur Ashe legacy foundation and the work that they do in honouring him and his work and using that to promote charitable causes.

Batson added: “There was only one person that could be the Icon winner, and it was unanimously decided that it would be Ashe. It’s bittersweet in that it’s sweet that he is our icon but sadly he isn’t with us.

“I’d have loved for him to still be here and to see what his legacy has created not just here in the UK or in the US but throughout the world.”

Tennis Black List is the global celebration of Black and mixed black excellence across the game — spotlighting the unsung, the visionary and the next generation of changemakers.

Taking place in the run up to The Championships at Wimbledon, the Tennis Black List recognises the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

It follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

Awards were handed out in ten categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at The Queen’s Club.

Batson and Sackey Addo said: “This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.”

Launched in 2022; Tennis Black List is the only global platform dedicated to celebrating and documenting Black and mixed-black impact in tennis — from grassroots organisers to elite players. A movement rooted in recognition, legacy, and cultural celebration.