Black History Month: Trailblazer Arthur Ashe’s Inspirational Act That Promoted Renowned Tennis Coach To Pick Up a Racket Unveiled

Every tennis player’s journey to success begins by observing another player’s performance on the court, regardless of how far they advance in their career. Engaging in a conversation about the person who inspired him to hold a tennis racket, renowned tennis coach Eric Riley revealed the impact of Arthur Ashe on his career.

Riley recently reminisced about his amazing journey, which includes guiding legendary players like Pam Shriver. As the American coach delved deeper into the conversation, he highlighted the life-changing influence of legendary player Arthur Ashe.

Eric Riley names the man behind the initiation of his tennis journey

Eric Riley remembered his childhood while talking to Mitchell Michals on the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast. Riley talked about the day his mother took him and his twin brother to watch Ashe’s exhibition match at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. “Arthur Ashe in his all white played an exhibition. And afterwards, he signed autographs, and I get goose pimples thinking about it,” he mentioned.

Expressing the details of how he felt after witnessing Ashe’s game in person, Riley added, “I fell in love with the game. Arthur Ashe became my idol.” Ashe’s dominant performance left a strong mark on the young Riley and his brother. “The day after we saw him play, our mom got us rackets,” he said, marking the moment when all of this began. “We were hitting badminton birdies with our tennis racquet. But Arthur Ashe inspired us.”

As Riley continues to make waves in the tennis world with his expertise, he also remembers the impact of Ashe on his journey and mindset. “Arthur Ashe changed that,” Riley said, concluding the story of the life-changing impact of a single encounter with a tennis legend.

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Riley finds it hard to ‘wash’ his arm after witnessing Arthur Ashe

As Eric Riley opened up about the memory of his encounter with the legendary Arthur Ashe, he further highlighted the deep impact it had on his mind. Recalling the moment with great details, Riley said, “Arthur Ashe was like a star. I mean, he’d already won the US Open 1968, but Arthur Ashe trip sweat on me.”

Metaphorically explaining the nature of the moment when he spectated the amazing performance, Riley added, “I didn’t want to wash my arm. I told my mom I didn’t want to wash that spot.” As Riley continues to live his passion for tennis as an expert, Ashe’s influence accompanies him throughout.

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