Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr. (July 10, 1943 – February 6, 1993) was an American tennis player. He started playing tennis professionally in 1969. He won three singles Grand Slam titles: the US Open in 1968, the Australian Open in 1970 and Wimbledon in 1975. He won two Grand Slam doubles titles: the French Open in 1971 and the Australian Open in 1977. Arthur Ashe was ranked no 1. for being the best tennis player, the first African American to be number one. He retired in 1980. Arthur Ashe raised awareness about HIV and AIDs. He also was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993.