It began like a slow build in a suspense novel—one where you know something significant is coming, but you don’t realize how seismic it truly is until it lands with a thud on the global stage. And this time, the stage is the 2025 US Open Tennis Championships, the arena is New York, and the name behind the art—etched now into sports history—is Melissa Koby.
The focus keyword: US Open 2025, makes its mark early, because this story, like all timeless tales, starts with a breakthrough.
Breaking Barriers with a Brushstroke
When the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced their theme for this year’s championship—“Celebrating 75 Years of Breaking Barriers”—it wasn’t just a slogan. It was a reverent nod to Althea Gibson, the first Black athlete to compete in the US National Championships in 1950, and a call to remember, reflect, and rise.
And that’s exactly what Melissa Koby’s art does.
A layered silhouette, haunting and majestic, floats between time. Crafted with stencil-cut and laser-cut paper, her piece isn’t just a portrait—it’s a portal. In the fluid lines and vivid colors, you see not only Gibson’s steely elegance but reflections of all who have ever felt like outsiders in sports, art, or society.
With this masterpiece, Koby becomes the first Black artist to ever design the theme art for the US Open. A first that feels long overdue. Representation, legacy, and progress—Koby wove these into every stroke like an author does foreshadowing in a chilling prologue.
Art that Will Be Seen by Millions
From Tampa to tennis glory, Melissa Koby’s work will now tower across billboards, shimmer on official merchandise, and dance through television graphics. Her Gibson tribute will appear on every corner of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, seen by millions both on-site and online.
Starting August 18 through September 7, the US Open 2025 will unfold in New York, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to Althea Gibson at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, August 24. If you plan to witness this historic moment, you can snag your tickets at the official US Open website—available starting tomorrow.
Want to own a piece of it? Head to USOpen.org, where Koby’s commemorative posters are already available.
The Magic Behind Melissa Koby
Melissa Koby is not a stranger to evoking emotion. Known for her ethereal watercolors and digital illustrations, her work is soaked in soul and driven by purpose. With every line she draws, you feel like she’s not just capturing a moment, but inviting you into a movement.
She has collaborated with global brands, created illustrations that pulse with social consciousness, and been celebrated for visual storytelling that centers Black voices, female strength, and human connection.
In her own words:
“I wanted to create a piece that honors Althea in all her strength, grace, and legacy, while also allowing people from every walk of life to see themselves in her story.”
There’s something spine-tingling about that quote. Something that stays with you long after you scroll past. That’s the Koby effect. It doesn’t just decorate space. It haunts it beautifully.
A Win for Tampa’s Creative Scene
This isn’t just a win for Melissa—it’s a standing ovation for Tampa’s arts scene, which is too often overlooked in the national spotlight. Through this global collaboration, Tampa joins the ranks of cities shaping visual culture in major international events.
The city’s talent pool is deep, vibrant, and rooted in stories that matter. Koby is now a beacon for emerging artists, a signal that yes, your voice can echo all the way to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Follow Melissa Koby’s journey and artwork on her and her where she shares insights, process videos, and glimpses into the inspiration behind her stirring visuals.
The US Open’s Ongoing Journey Toward Inclusion
The US Open has long been more than just a tennis tournament. It’s a cultural institution—a swirling mix of sports, spectacle, and social progress. Each year, it peels back layers of history, placing the spotlight on trailblazers who rewrote the rules with grit and grace.
In 2025, with the help of Melissa Koby, they’re not just looking back—they’re pushing forward.
As Stacey Allaster, US Open tournament director, said:
“We are proud and humbled to celebrate Althea Gibson on the 75th anniversary of her changing the game forever.”
Indeed, this year’s championship isn’t just about aces and rallies. It’s about storytelling, symbolism, and the silent yet thunderous power of art.
Own a Piece of History
Whether you’re attending in person or watching from across the globe, there’s a chance to carry this story with you. Purchase a limited-edition poster, wear a commemorative shirt, or simply pause to take in Koby’s artwork the next time it flashes across your screen.
Because when art and sport intertwine—when a brushstroke celebrates a backhand—something electric happens.
The Story Continues…
In the shadows of Arthur Ashe and the light of Althea Gibson, the US Open 2025 promises to be more than just a tournament. It’s a tribute. A triumph. And, maybe most importantly, a torch passed. Stay tuned. Because this isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. And Melissa Koby just wrote its first, unforgettable line.
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