Wilmington tennis fans watch Serena Williams play in U.S. open

Wilmington tennis pro One Love director reminds who paved way for tennis players like Williams sisters

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – It’s all eyes on Serena Williams after she announced she’d be leaving the sport on her own terms.

A Wilmington great helped pave the way for tennis players of all class and races.

Lenny Simpson was first introduced to the game of tennis at age 5, after meeting World Champion Althea Gibson, and said the game has come a long way for women and people that look like him.

“I went through all of that time period when there was only Althea on that scene,” said Simpson.

Seeing the enthusiasm in the air for Serena and the sport brings a smile to Simpson’s face, the sport he loves so much.

“I am so excited to see all the players of color, and not only of color, but the whole point is, you have the opportunity to play this game,” he said.

The tennis court, in Simpson’s backyard is where Althea Gibson trained and according to Simpson, she paved the way for tennis players like the Williams sisters.

“If there were no Althea Gibson there would be no Venus or Serena, any of the players in the open,” he said.

Just like 15-year-old Tisha Mathis, a student at Simpson’s One Love Tennis and Academic Enrichment Programs, she was given the opportunity and looks up to Serena.

“She’s accomplished so much,” she said. “It’s amazing for everybody out there, boys and girls.”

As a female athlete, Mathis said watching the Williams sister battle it out on the court has been inspiring.

“As a person of color you get so emasculated whenever you do a sport, and the way they hold themselves, it’s just so beautiful,” she said.

Both Mathis and Simpson are elated over the hype surrounding the sport, and appreciate those who have paved the way.

“Tennis isn’t just a white sport, anybody can play tennis, in that, it’s not just upper class,” said Mathis. “Anybody who wants to do it can do it.”

“Whether you’re in a wheelchair, not in a wheelchair, whatever, having the chance to play this great game of tennis whoever or where ever you live or come from, having the opportunity to, is incredible,” he said.

Anyone can live their dream if they just believe, as Serena and others have, according to Simpson.

This day in 65-years-ago was a historic for black people and the world of tennis.

Wilmington’s Althea Gibson, on September 2, 1957, was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and broke down barriers that year becoming the first African American woman to win the US National Championship.