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Welcome to the documentary from the BBC World Service.
I'm Russell Fuller.
And in a special episode from Sportsworld, we're celebrating the life of Arthur Ashe,
50 years on from becoming the first African-American to win the men's Wimbledon singles title against Jimmy Connors in 1975.
It was one of the most iconic sporting moments of the 20th century at a time of huge political and racial unrest.
An inspiration, a politician, a pioneer on and off court,
those are just some of the words used to describe Arthur Ashe, was more than a champion.
Arthur was a speed reader, had a photographic memory, had an IQ off the charts.
The Australians used to say he played Sydney with a bush.
He'd go for broke, and if it went in, it went in.
If it didn't, it didn't.
You know,
I think he's the kind of person who would want to do whatever he can besides play tennis.
What else can I do to help make a difference?
He just made, you know, everyone feel comfortable.
He made me feel happy.
He took his time.
And those moments that can just make someone go left or right.
A marvelous performance by Arthur Ashe in my book.