Black History Month: Trailblazer Arthur Ashe’s Inspirational Act That Promoted Renowned Tennis Coach To Pick Up a Racket Unveiled
Follow Us
Every tennis player’s journey to success begins by observing another player’s performance on the court, regardless of how far they advance in their career. Engaging in a conversation about the person who inspired him to hold a tennis racket, renowned tennis coach Eric Riley revealed the impact of Arthur Ashe on his career.
Riley recently reminisced about his amazing journey, which includes guiding legendary players like Pam Shriver. As the American coach delved deeper into the conversation, he highlighted the life-changing influence of legendary player Arthur Ashe.
Eric Riley names the man behind the initiation of his tennis journey
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Eric Riley remembered his childhood while talking to Mitchell Michals on the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast. Riley talked about the day his mother took him and his twin brother to watch Ashe’s exhibition match at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. “Arthur Ashe in his all white played an exhibition. And afterwards, he signed autographs, and I get goose pimples thinking about it,” he mentioned.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint
April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Physically Absent at Madrid, Rafael Nadal’s Biggest Fan Ben Stiller Drops 1-Word Stirring Message as the Spaniard Rolls Back the Years
April 27, 2024 06:02 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Tommy Paul vs Francisco Cerundolo; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction
April 28, 2024 08:01 AM EDT
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Unveils Only Wish From Beau as She Debuts Virtual Avatar in Topspin 2k25
April 26, 2024 01:41 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Expressing the details of how he felt after witnessing Ashe’s game in person, Riley added, “I fell in love with the game. Arthur Ashe became my idol.” Ashe’s dominant performance left a strong mark on the young Riley and his brother. “The day after we saw him play, our mom got us rackets,” he said, marking the moment when all of this began. “We were hitting badminton birdies with our tennis racquet. But Arthur Ashe inspired us.”
As Riley continues to make waves in the tennis world with his expertise, he also remembers the impact of Ashe on his journey and mindset. “Arthur Ashe changed that,” Riley said, concluding the story of the life-changing impact of a single encounter with a tennis legend.
Black History Month: Who Was the Last African-American Male Player to Win a Grand Slam Title?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Riley finds it hard to ‘wash’ his arm after witnessing Arthur Ashe
As Eric Riley opened up about the memory of his encounter with the legendary Arthur Ashe, he further highlighted the deep impact it had on his mind. Recalling the moment with great details, Riley said, “Arthur Ashe was like a star. I mean, he’d already won the US Open 1968, but Arthur Ashe trip sweat on me.”
Metaphorically explaining the nature of the moment when he spectated the amazing performance, Riley added, “I didn’t want to wash my arm. I told my mom I didn’t want to wash that spot.” As Riley continues to live his passion for tennis as an expert, Ashe’s influence accompanies him throughout.
Watch this story: Jealousy Takes Centre Stage as Serena Williams Joins Daughter Olympia to Take Control Over a Dead Expertise by Husband Alexis Ohanian
Written by:
Edited by:
Shudh Mukherjee