Tennis legend’s life documented in film

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A former Wilmington resident and tennis legend’s story is being told in a documentary. Tuesday people had a chance to learn about Althea Gibson’s life in a newly released bio pic called Althea at UNCW. The film premiered on Friday on PBS.

Lenny Simpson says he knew Gibson as a mentor and friend, his organization One Love Tennis is a big supporter of the film. He says the film is taking the country by storm.

“Althea Gibson was the first African American to win a major title,’ said Gibson.

Simpson says Gibson’s successes, during a time when she had to break down racial barriers, made it possible for others like tennis stars like Serena and Venus Williams to reach greatness.

“It’s everything that she had to go through, the adversity, every heart ache, all the agony to become a world champion so Serena and Venus should be very thankful,” said Simpson.

Serena Williams herself acknowledged Gibson’s career with a tweet about the film, with the hash tag “Althea Came First”.

Williams moved closer to taking the U.S. Women’s Open title after beating her sister Venus Tuesday night. William is on track to make history by having a Calendar Grand Slam, that’s winning all four majors in one year. No tennis player has been able to do that since 1988.

Simpson says Gibson wasn’t able to play at certain courts because of her race. He says even though she broke down racial barriers, she wasn’t trying to.

“All she wanted to do was play the game of tennis and have the opportunity to play, that’s all she ever wanted to do,” said Simpson.

The screening was a pre-kick off to what Wilmington has declared ‘Althea Gibson’ week. That will be September 14-21.