Arthur Ashe defeated Tom Okker in the final, 14–12, 5–7, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 1968 US Open."Ashe Wins U.S. Open Singles Title", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 10, 1968, p27 It was his first major singles title, becoming the first African American man to win a singles major. This was the first edition of the tournament to be open to professional players, marking a period in tennis history known as the Open Era.
John Newcombe was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Clark Graebner.
Seeds The seeded players are listed below. Arthur Ashe is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
Rod Laver (fourth round) Tony Roche (fourth round) Ken Rosewall (semifinals) John Newcombe (quarterfinals) Arthur Ashe (champion) Dennis Ralston (quarterfinals) Clark Graebner (semifinals) Tom Okker (finals) n/a Andrés Gimeno (first round) Fred Stolle (second round) Charlie Pasarell (third round) Richard Pancho Gonzales (quarterfinals) Roy Emerson (fourth round) Marty Riessen (second round) Cliff Drysdale (quarterfinals)
Draw
Key Q = Qualifier WC = Wild card LL = Lucky loser r = Retired
Final eight
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Effects of Ashe's Victory Arthur Ashe's victory took the public by storm. Telegrams from fans, politicians, and celebrities began to flood in. One celebrity who celebrated the importance of Ashe's victory was Jackie Robinson. He stated that this victory would "bridge the gap between races and inspire black people the world over and also affect the decency of all Americans".
References
External links Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) – 1968 US Open Men's Singles draw 1968 US Open – Men's draws and results at the International Tennis Federation