the first black tennis player in the Olympics?

This took quite some digging to find out, however, we are happy to report not only was the first black tennis player in the Olympics a WOMEN, but it was also none other than Zina Garrison who won a gold medal in1988.

Zina Garrison was born right near the end of Althea Gibson's tennis career. Zina Garrison had not played tennis until she was 10, though. She started her junior tennis career very well at 12 and won a national title when she was just 14.

When Zina was just 19-years-old, she had begun her professional tennis career. She skipped her high school graduation to play in the French Open, which was her debut in professional tennis. She played well in Grand Slam singles tournaments, reaching the final of Wimbledon in 1990 and winning the bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics.

Zina Garrison was a much better doubles player, though, making the Australia Open doubles final twice in 1987 and 1992 and winning the gold in the 1988 Olympics. She was much better in her mixed doubles career, winning three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles and being runner up in three. Zina had won two Wimbledons in 1988 and 1990 and the Australia Open in 1987 and also reaching three other finals but fell short in all of them.

Well, if you didn't know, now you know.....and welcome to Ascot Manor. Enjoy watching the Olympics.

#olympics2021 #zinagarrison #tennis #blacktennis #blackhistory #blackowned #tennislife