Arthur Ashe History: December 15, 1992 - Arthur Ashe is named Sports Illustrated Sportman of Year March 21, 1985 - Arthur Ashe is named to International Tennis Hall of Fame June 21, 1983 - Tennis ace Arthur Ashe undergoes double bypass heart surgery April 16, 1980 - Arthur Ashe retires from professional tennis July 5, 1975 - 89th Wimbledon Mens Tennis: Arthur Ashe beats J Connors September 10, 1972 - 92nd U.S. Mens Tennis: Ilie Nastase beats Arthur Ashe December 12, 1968 - Arthur Ashe becomes 1st black to be ranked #1 in tennis September 9, 1968 - 1st U.S. Open, held as an "open" (Arthur Ashe-wins) September 9, 1968 - Arthur Ashe defeats Tom Okker to win U.S. Tennis Open September 5, 1968 - 88th U.S. Mens Tennis: Arthur Ashe beats Tom Okker August 25, 1968 - Arthur Ashe becomes 1st black to win U.S. singles championship July 10, 1943 - Arthur Ashe, tennis pro, 1968 U.S. Open, 1975 Wimbledon