Overlooked pioneer Gibson finally under the spotlight with US Open tribute

NEW YORK :The U.S. Open turns its mega-watt spotlight on an often-overlooked pioneer for Black women in sport at this year's tournament, as the late Althea Gibson is honoured in American tennis' biggest stage.

Black women have formed the backbone of American tennis over the last three decades, from the global icons Serena and Venus Williams to the likes of Coco Gauff and Sloane Stephens - the last two Americans to triumph at Flushing Meadows.

After being under-recognised for decades, the U.S. Open theme this year - "75 Years of Breaking Barriers” - honours Gibson's landmark 1950 achievement when the daughter of sharecroppers stepped onto a court at the then U.S. National Championships where only white players had previously been allowed.

"All she was really looking for was someone to ju