Wimbledon in pictures: 10 iconic moments from the history of the tournament

Arthur Ashe becomes the first person of colour to win Wimbledon

32-year-old Ashe beat Jimmy Connors to the title in 1975

Former World No. 1 Arthur Ashe overcame a number of obstacles, most key among them serious racial prejudice in the United States when he grew up, to excel at his sport. Slightly built and weak, Ashe grew up in a racially segregated area and was taught tennis from a young age.

Joining the professional circuit in the United States at the height of segregation, Ashe was prevented from playing Caucasian players – or from using any common facilities that were also accessible to them.

Not only was the American known for his skill, but became a paragon of on-court ettiquette and sportsmanship.

In 1975, Ashe beat compatriot Jimmy Connors to become the first ever person of colour to win the title at Wimbledon, paving the way as he broke barriers after having seen racial segregation firsthand.