The impact that Arthur Ashe had on tennis shone through a host of tri butes on Saturday - 40 years after the American became the first black man to win Wimbledon.
Ashe beat Jimmy Connors in the 1975 final to land his third grand slam title, after previous wins in Australia and the United States.
He fought and overcame prejudices to pave the way for a host of black sportsmen and sportswomen, including the likes of Serena and Venus Williams, later becoming politically active in his native United States.
In the anniversary year of his triumph in London, Serena Williams said: "A fter 40 years, his legacy still lives on in one of the greatest ways. That was just an amazing match that he played against Connors."
She recalled watching a replay of the match on television, and said: " I was like, 'Wow'. It was just a really cool moment.
"It's been (important) for African Americans, not just in tennis, but in all sports, for breaking barriers; Arthur Ashe and everything he did for tennis."
As a child, she met Ashe, who died aged 49 in 1993 of AIDS-related pneumonia, thought by his family to have contracted HIV when undergoing heart surgery.
"My only wish is that I met him when I was a little older," Williams said.
"Even though I was super young, he was doing a clinic, and I remember being in that clinic and just thinking, 'Wow, I'm hitting with Arthur Ashe. This is so cool'.
"He was so nice. He took his time with all the kids that were there. You know, he took a lot of time with me and with Venus. It was a great moment. It's something that one never forgets. It just kind of always lives with you."
Ashe's role in opening the door for young black players was not restricted to the US either.
"Without him, I don't know if I'd be playing today," said Britain's Heather Watson.
"He was an amazing player, not just fantastic on the court, but off the court. And what he's done for tennis and everything is just amazing."
Roger Federer offered his own tribute.
"Unfortunately I never got to meet him. But I'm aware what an influential and important person he was in our game, especially for many other people as well. He's been a leader," said Federer.
"It's an honour always playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium of course in New York.
"I was very happy for him that he was able to win here and utilise his fame for so many great things. He's been great."
Source: PA
