Althea Gibson’s legacy was unmistakable at the 2025 US Open. The 2025 US Open wasn't just another Grand Slam tournament—it was a powerful celebration of diversity, representation, and breaking barriers in a sport historically dominated by exclusivity. As the final major of the tennis season concluded in Flushing Meadows, New York, what stood out wasn't just the athletic excellence but the beautiful tapestry of Black excellence that transformed the courts and stands alike. I was pleasantly surprised to see the number of Black women and women of color competing at the event, as this year honors the 75th anniversary of the iconic player who broke barriers in the sport. There was:

Tennis has long carried the stigma of being an exclusive, predominantly white sport played in country clubs with strict dress codes and unspoken rules. The 2025 US Open shattered this perception entirely for me, and likely others as well. It has since transformed into part tennis match, part fashion runway. The tournament vibrated with cultural energy both on and off the court.

Althea Gibson, who became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title at the 1956 French Championships and later triumphed at Wimbledon and the US Nationals (predecessor to the US Open) in 1957 and 1958, was celebrated throughout the tournament. Venus Williams wore a specially designed outfit paying homage to Gibson's style, with subtle nods to her signature look incorporated into their tournament attire. Influencers and brands alike understood the assignment.

Spectators in the stands reflected America's diversity, with celebrities from various backgrounds attending matches. From Shonda Rhimes watching alongside Venus Williams to Sheryl Lee Ralph bringing her Abbott Elementary family for the tennis experience, the tournament became a cultural gathering that transcended sport. Simone Biles even served as an unwitting calming agent for Coco Gauff, but truthfully, she does that for me even when she’s not at the US Open.

If the US Open is now in the business of inclusivity, they haven’t stopped at racial inclusivity; they are showing us that equal pay means equal respect. The US Open continues to lead in gender parity regarding prize money. As highlighted by TOGETHXR, the tournament makes sure the players go home with exactly what they're worth, recognizing that equal pay isn't just about fairness—it's about valuing women's contributions to the sport equally.

This equal standing extends beyond financial compensation to media coverage, prime-time scheduling, and promotional opportunities. Black women athletes, historically marginalized in tennis media, commanded center stage throughout the tournament (though not always for things in their control). Beyond the players, diversity permeated every aspect of the tournament. Behind the mic, Bianca Peart made her US Open hosting debut.

The influence extended to brand partnerships and sponsorships, with luxury brands recognizing the cultural significance of associating with this new, vibrant tennis narrative. As Puck News noted, the tournament has become an "influencer magnet" where brands market "via an army of influencers" – many of whom represent diverse backgrounds. The success of this US Open suggests the future of tennis will be:

Black excellence wasn't just present; it was celebrated, centered, and recognized as fundamental to tennis's future. The blueprint established at this year's US Open points toward a more inclusive, vibrant, and culturally rich sport that honors diverse experiences while maintaining the athletic excellence that makes tennis so compelling. The game's future is bright, beautiful, and increasingly reflective of the world beyond the baseline. I think there’s still a little way to go, as I’d like to see women who aren’t named Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka also secure clothing partnerships, but we’ll get there. There’s a tennis match in Atlanta that I’m hoping to attend this December, and I’m curious…