USTA & Marvel Unite: Fantastic Four and Althea Gibson Honored for 75 Years of Breaking Barriers at 2025 US Open

The USTA has announced that the US Open and Marvel will continue their landmark collaboration for a second consecutive year by championing this year’s US Open theme – Celebrating 75 Years of Breaking Barriers – with a new and original comic book spotlighting Althea Gibson and the Fantastic Four. More than 40,000 print copies of the comic book will be given out to fans for free during US Open Fan Week, held August 18-23 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.

Photo credit: US Open.

The original comic book follows the Fantastic Four as they learn about Gibson’s life and career and the legacy she inspired while breaking tennis’ color barrier at the 1950 US Open, before going on to win back to back Wimbledon and US Open singles titles and becoming one of the most legendary figures in tennis. The story then follows the inspired Fantastic Four to the US Open, where they channel Gibson to overcome an ‘impossible’ challenge on the courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Print copies of the comic book will be given out for free to fans who have signed up for Fan Access Pass, with 6,000 books being given away each day from Monday through Friday of US Open Fan Week, and the remaining copies to be given away on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Saturday, August 23. The comic books will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis to fans who scan their Fan Access Pass at the giveaway booth, with a limit of one comic per fan for the week.

Public Domain via Wikipedia

“Telling the story of Althea Gibson alongside the Fantastic Four is an incredible way to shine a light on her life and legacy to a whole new audience,” said Nicole Kankam, USTA Managing Director, Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment. “Collaborating with Marvel to honor Althea in this new and exciting way – to a wide array of fans on-site during US Open Fan Week – only adds to the fan experience and amplifies the celebration of our theme.”

“New York is home to many of Marvel’s beloved heroes, including the Fantastic Four. Fresh from the theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ we’re thrilled that these characters, at the heart of Marvel’s comic book origins, are teaming up with the US Open to celebrate the legacy of Althea Gibson and delivering a fun and engaging story showcasing the power of tennis for fans,” said Holly Frank, Walt Disney Studios VP, Partnership Management and Operations, Marvel. 

For a full rundown of US Open Fan Week events and activities, visit USOpen.org/FanWeek. The US Open Singles Main Draw will run August 24-September 7.

===

Courtesy of US Open. Top photo credit: US Open.