Melissa Koby Makes History as the First Black Woman to Design Official U.S. Open Artwork

It’s a monumental and deeply meaningful honor.

In a moment that beautifully bridges art, culture, and sport, Melissa Koby has made history as the first Black woman commissioned to create the official artwork for the U.S. Open, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the tournament’s commitment to breaking barriers (source: The U.S. Open). Her stunning illustration shines a light on the trailblazing legacy of Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win the U.S. Open, and uses bold, soulful imagery to capture the enduring power of representation in both tennis and art.

For Koby, a Jamaican-born, Tampa-based illustrator, the opportunity feels nothing short of spiritual. “I began illustrating at the height of Covid, in order to cope with being in quarantine,” Koby told Because Of Them We Can. What began as a form of therapy — digital sketches filled with color, hope, and community — quickly transformed into a thriving artistic career. “I started connecting with people who wanted to purchase my art as prints and with brands that wanted me to create for them,” she said.

Her artistic journey took an unexpected turn when an employee at the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) discovered her work while scrolling on Instagram. “They sent me an email asking if I’d be interested in creating the theme artwork, and here we are,” Koby recalled. “I spent so many nights perfecting the design, and I’m so proud that it tells a story that feels authentic — one that honors Althea Gibson’s greatness.”

That story, as Koby explains, is a visual love letter to Gibson’s historic 1957 U.S. Open victory — a moment that shattered racial barriers and redefined what was possible for women of color in sports. “She is the blueprint,” Koby emphasized. “She paved the way for women like Zina Garrison, Venus and Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Coco Gauff. She truly deserves all the flowers” (source: ESPN).

According to The New York Times, Althea Gibson’s triumph wasn’t just about athletic excellence — it was a bold challenge to America’s segregated sports culture. She was often called “the Jackie Robinson of tennis,” opening the door for generations to come. Through Koby’s artwork, that legacy finds renewed life — reinterpreted through warm hues, bold lines, and symbolism that centers Black womanhood and perseverance.

The unveiling of the official 2025 U.S. Open artwork — released alongside the May 30th ticket announcement — represents more than a promotional milestone. It’s an invitation to new audiences to feel seen, valued, and celebrated in spaces that haven’t always been accessible to them. “I want my people to know we are breaking barriers even with sport-related art,” Koby said. “I want little Black kids to know that their art can make an impact.”

The emotional weight of this milestone is also personal. “I just keep thinking about my grandma,” Koby shared. “She prayed that her children’s children would find their way in life. I really just wish I could tell her that I found a path that led me to happiness — and to being part of history.”

Koby’s work has been featured by brands such as Target, Hallmark, and Adobe, and her art continues to amplify themes of belonging, diversity, and empowerment. Her collaboration with the U.S. Open underscores how creative expression can serve as a bridge between past and present — between Gibson’s groundbreaking strength and the next generation of dreamers and doers.

Her message to aspiring artists is clear and resonant:

“Be encouraged to share your gifts — your unique point of view, your art, your truth. You are the blueprint. Please don’t forget it.”

As USA Today noted, this year’s U.S. Open is not just celebrating a milestone in sports — it’s celebrating the power of legacy, representation, and the women who continue to move culture forward through courage and creativity.

Check out Melissa Koby’s breathtaking illustration below — a visual tribute to Althea Gibson, and a radiant reminder that art, like sport, can change the world.