Videos
Kristen and Ellen honor Dr. Robert Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson and how he made tennis accessible for African-Americans including Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson.
Tennis Channel Live: Whirlwind Johnson
For every great tennis champion there is a coach behind the scenes pushing them to greatness. Someone who may never be found in the record books but is very instrumental in the success of their pupil. No one fits that description better than Dr Robert Walter Johnson first nicknamed “whirlwind” as a college football player, he is now better known as the godfather of black tennis for his work to promote the sport in the African-American community. A respected physician in his home of Virginia, Dr Johnson founded the American tennis association’s junior development program and sponsored a tennis camp for black children. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment in the game was as a coach most notably of Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson. Johnson taught his students more than just the game of tennis but the patience and strength they would need to succeed in a segregated culture.
What an incredible story of whirlwind Johnson and the impact that he made in the sport, he really almost can’t be overstated how much he has meant to the world of tennis. Dr. Johnson was especially important…during segregation when there were no public courts that black kids could play on and he provided those opportunities. He provided a safe space and it wasn’t just the tennis but it was the mental side and the emotional side and the belief that he gave to so many players.
Tennis Express TenniStory – Whirlwind Johnson
In this brief documentary about Johnson, his grandson Lange, explains how much his grandfather impacted an revolutionized the sport of tennis in the US, opening doors for many African Americans to gain access to a sport they would not have otherwise.
Dr. Robert Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson was the force behind integrated tennis. As his nickname “Whirlwind” suggests, he stormed across the American tennis landscape for three decades (1940-1970) and changed tennis forever. The former football All-American built a tennis dynasty in Lynchburg, Va. that produced the first two African-American grand slam champions, Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe.
Tennis Channel: The Impact of Whirlwind Johnson
Dr. Robert Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson was the force behind integrated tennis. As his nickname “Whirlwind” suggests, he stormed across the American tennis landscape for three decades (1940-1970) and changed tennis forever. The former football All-American built a tennis dynasty in Lynchburg, Va. that produced the first two African-American grand slam champions, Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe.
On August 24, 1946, Dr. Johnson and his good friend Dr. Hubert Eaton witnessed the future of world tennis: Althea Gibson. That day, they vowed to each other and Althea to break the game’s color barrier and develop a grand slam champion. They made many personal and financial sacrifices to achieve this end. Althea later declared, “I owe the doctors a great deal. If I ever amount to anything, it will be because of them.” Althea integrated Forest Hills in 1950; seven years later, she won it.
International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction
“Whirlwind” Johnson’s grandson, Lange Johnson, accepted the honor for his late grandfather’s induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.
Speaking to the Doctor’s will, Lange touched on a variety of topics, none greater than Whirlwind’s belief that “It can be done,” no matter the obstacle. Seeing great raw talent and forming them into great tennis players, “It can be done.” No integration in the top ranks of tennis, “It can be done.” No state-of-the-art facility and equipment for African-American players? “It can be done.”
Three great tennis players’ names are on Whirlwind’s tombstone – Althea, Arthur and Juan. All greats in their own right, all proving that “It can be done.”
C-Span: Dr. Robert Johnson and Tennis Desegregation
Dr. Robert Johnson hosted a tennis camp at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia, starting in the 1940s where he coached young African Americans including Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. Lange Johnson talked about his grandfather’s work to integrate tennis and his own experiences at the camp.
WSLS 10: Historic tennis court re-opened in Lynchburg
Back in the game. A historic tennis court in Lynchburg reopens. It’s where African-American tennis legends Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe spent time practicing the sport.