Day 18: September 11, 1999: Serena Williams claims her first career Grand Slam Singles title becoming the first African American woman to win a Grand Slam in the Open Era.
Serena Williams vs. Martina Hingis
Serena Williams defeated Martina Hingis 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to claim her first career Grand Slam singles championship at the US Open. On her way to the title, the 17-year-old younger sister of Venus took out returning champion Lindsay Davenport en route to becoming the first African-American woman since Althea Gibson to capture a majors single title. Williams to the media after the match, "one of Althea Gibson's best friends told me she wanted to see another African American win a Slam before her time was up, I'm so excited to accomplish that while she's still alive.