Frederick Johnson (tennis)

Frederick Johnson (1891-1963) was an American professional[1] tennis player, coach and teacher.

A Harlem native, Johnson was an African American who managed to turn pro despite Segregation in American tennis and despite being one-armed due to paralysis as a result of an accident from his youth.[2]

His most notable success was the discovery of tennis and golf pro Althea Gibson. He was her first coach.[3]

The Frederick Johnson Playground in northeast Manhattan, New York City is dedicated after him.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Thomas, Lin (5 August 2010). "The Hard Part of Tennis in New York? Finding an Open Court". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  2. ↑ Tignor, Steve (4 September 2016). "Welcome to The Jungle". Tennis Media Company. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  3. ↑ "Playground in Harlem Renamed For a Tennis Player and Coach". The New York Times. 24 October 1971. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  4. ↑ "Frederick Johnson Playground". NYC Parks. Retrieved 25 September 2017.


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