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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