The Legacy of Arthur Ashe Lives on Through Iconic Sculpture at US Open
As the 2025 US Open gets underway, one of the most iconic landmarks at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is celebrating its 25th birthday. Soul in Flight: A Memorial to Arthur Ashe, a 14-foot high, two-ton bronze sculpture, stands as a tribute to the legendary three-time Grand Slam champion and tennis trailblazer for whom the center court is named.
Inspiration Behind the Sculpture
The sculptor behind this masterpiece, Eric Fischl, shared his inspiration with Tennis Channel during an interview at the US Open. Fischl, a tennis enthusiast himself, was particularly moved by the service motion in tennis, which he considers to be both the most beautiful and the shot that gives the server the most control.
Positioned between Corona Park’s Unisphere and Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sculpture portrays Ashe not with a tennis racquet, but with a baton. According to Fischl, this symbolizes Ashe’s role in starting something that others must carry on.
Arthur Ashe’s Legacy
Arthur Ashe, who retired from professional tennis in 1980, achieved a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the ATP rankings and won 44 Open-Era titles. Beyond his tennis accolades, Ashe became a writer, activist, and Davis Cup captain before tragically passing away in 1993 due to complications from HIV contracted during a heart bypass surgery.
The sculpture, strategically placed to align with the Unisphere and symbolizing Ashe against the backdrop of the world, serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring legacy both on and off the tennis court.
The Model for the Sculpture
Jan-Michael Gambill, a former American tennis player turned Tennis Channel commentator, served as the model for the sculpture. Fischl drew inspiration from a photo capturing a classic service motion, immortalizing not just Ashe’s physical likeness but also the essence of his contribution to the sport and society.
Reflecting on the Sculpture
Looking back on his creation, Fischl expressed pride in the impact the sculpture has had in honoring Ashe’s memory and the sport he loved. As tennis fans gather at the US Open to witness the world’s top players battle it out on the court, Soul in Flight stands as a testament to Ashe’s enduring spirit and the inspiration he continues to provide to future generations of tennis players.
For tennis enthusiasts and fans of Arthur Ashe alike, the sculpture is not just a work of art but a symbol of resilience, excellence, and the power of sport to transcend boundaries and inspire change.
Arthur Ashe’s Impact Beyond Tennis
Arthur Ashe’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the tennis court. He was a powerful voice in the fight against racial discrimination and social injustice. Ashe was the first black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of African American tennis players.
Off the court, Ashe was a dedicated humanitarian, using his platform to advocate for civil rights and education. He co-founded the National Junior Tennis League to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth to learn and play the sport he loved. Ashe also established the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS to raise awareness and funds for AIDS research and education.
The Symbolism of Soul in Flight
As visitors approach the Soul in Flight sculpture at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, they are met with a powerful symbol of Ashe’s enduring legacy. The baton held by Ashe in the sculpture represents the ongoing journey towards equality and social change that he initiated. Just as a relay race requires each runner to pass the baton to the next, Ashe’s work in advancing civil rights and promoting education continues to inspire others to carry on his mission.
The placement of the sculpture between the Unisphere and Arthur Ashe Stadium also serves as a poignant reminder of Ashe’s global impact. From his roots in Richmond, Virginia, Ashe rose to international prominence, using his platform to advocate for equality and justice around the world.
Eric Fischl’s Artistic Vision
Eric Fischl’s artistic vision in creating Soul in Flight captures not just the physical likeness of Arthur Ashe, but also his spirit and legacy. Fischl’s attention to detail in capturing the fluidity and power of Ashe’s service motion brings the sculpture to life, evoking the grace and precision that defined Ashe’s playing style.
By choosing Jan-Michael Gambill as the model for the sculpture, Fischl pays homage to Ashe’s impact on the next generation of tennis players. Gambill’s presence in the statue serves as a bridge between Ashe’s legacy and the future of the sport, embodying the idea of passing the baton from one generation to the next.
Continuing Ashe’s Legacy
As tennis fans and players alike gather at the US Open each year, they are reminded of Arthur Ashe’s enduring influence on the sport. The Soul in Flight sculpture stands as a timeless tribute to Ashe’s legacy, inspiring all who see it to strive for excellence, equality, and social change.
Through his achievements both on and off the court, Arthur Ashe set a standard of excellence and advocacy that continues to resonate today. As the US Open celebrates its 25th year with the iconic sculpture in place, Ashe’s legacy lives on, encouraging future generations to carry the baton forward and make a difference in the world.
