Robert Ryland
(June 16, 1920 – August 2, 2020)
In 1959, Robert Ryland made history by breaking through barriers of race and class, becoming the first African-American tennis professional in the United States. He paved the way for countless others in the sport, leaving an enduring legacy of achievement and excellence.
Icon Pioneer Trailblazer Achievements :
First African American to compete in the NCAA National Championships. First black player/coach to lead a college team twice to the small college national championships. First black tennis player to play at the Los Angeles Tennis Club. First African American to play tennis professionally in the United States.
BIO
Born in Chicago in 1920, Ryland’s tennis journey began at the age of nine under the guidance of his father and the renowned Mrs. C.O. “Mother” Seames, an iconic black tennis coach at the Chicago Prairie Tennis Club. His natural talent for the sport quickly propelled him to prominence, culminating in his victory at the Illinois State High School Championship in 1939, where he defeated Jimmy Evert, the father of tennis legend Chris Evert. That same year, he claimed the ATA Boys 18 and under Singles Championship.
After high school, Ryland earned a scholarship to Xavier University in New Orleans, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where his collegiate tennis career began. Following his time at Xavier, he served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945.
Upon receiving another tennis scholarship, this time to Wayne State University in Detroit, Ryland made history by breaking the color barrier as one of the first black players to compete in the NCAA championships, reaching the semifinals. His remarkable achievements at Wayne State led to his induction into the university’s Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Ryland’s excellence extended to exhibition matches and championships. In 1944, he partnered with legendary player Alice Marble in a historic exhibition match at the Cosmopolitan Club, defeating Dr. Reginald Weir and Mary Hardwick. He secured the Men’s Singles Championship in the integrated Detroit Public Parks tournament in 1946 and competed against the number one ranked U.S. player, Ham Richardson, in the Pacific Southwest Championship in 1947.
In 1952, Ryland continued to break barriers by winning the integrated Los Angeles Industrial City Championships. He further solidified his legacy with consecutive victories in the ATA Men’s Singles Championship in 1955 and 1956, in addition to being a finalist on four other occasions.
Ryland’s journey took him to California in 1947, where he played alongside tennis icon Pancho Gonzalez and continued to make strides in the sport. His move to Tennessee A&I in Nashville in 1954 marked another milestone as he became a player and coach, leading his team to small college national championships twice. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee A&I.
Returning to the East Coast, Ryland assumed the role of physical education director at the YMCA in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1957 before venturing to teach tennis in New York in 1958. It was in 1958 that he became the first African American to play professional tennis, participating in the World Pro Championships in Cleveland and receiving $300 for his appearance.
Ryland’s remarkable legacy transcends his playing career. He went on to coach some of the world’s top-ranked professionals, including Harold Solomon, Renee Blount, Leslie Allen, Bruce Foxworth, and a young Arthur Ashe. Later, he had the privilege of coaching Venus and Serena Williams as teenagers. His expertise and guidance also extended to celebrities like Bill Cosby, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand, and Tony Bennett.
In 2020, Robert Ryland celebrated his 100th birthday, holding the distinction of being the oldest tennis permit holder in New York City. His contributions to the sport and his pioneering spirit will forever be remembered and celebrated.
Legacy, Honors, and Awards:
Robert Ryland’s impact on tennis and his trailblazing achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport and its history. Among his many accolades and honors:
- First African American to compete in the NCAA National Championships.
- First black player/coach to lead a college team twice to the small college national championships.
- First black tennis player to play at the Los Angeles Tennis Club.
- First African American to play tennis professionally in the United States.
Additionally, Robert Ryland was recognized with the following awards and inductions:
- Wayne State University Athletic Hall of Fame (1991).
- Black Tennis Hall of Fame (2009).
- Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame (2002) and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
- USTA-Midwest Hall of Fame (2019).
- United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Hall of Fame (2020).
Educational Contributions:
Lecturer at the Harlem Armory.
Lecturer at the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center.
Lecturer at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Robert Ryland’s exceptional achievements and contributions to tennis have earned him recognition, respect, and a lasting place in the history of the sport.
NS