LONDON (UP) -- Althea Gibson planned to return to her native New York today with the prize she pursued for 15 years -- the Wimbledon women's singles championship.
The 29-year-old queen of the courts became the first negro to win a Wimbledon singles crown Saturday when she defeated Darlene Hard of Montebello, Calif., 6-3, 6-2 in the woman's final before 16,000 fans, including Queen Elizabeth.
Miss Gibson and Miss Hard then captured the women's doubles title by whipping Mary Hawton and Thelma Long of Australia, 6-2, 6-l, while Miss Hard teamed with Mervyn Rose of Australia to defeat Miss Gibson and Neale Fraser or Australia, 6-4, 7-5, in the mixed doubles Final.
"At last, at last," Miss Gibson murmured after winning the singles title. She admitted she was "nervous all through the match," which was played in 100-degree heat, and she appeared just as nervous when she was congratulated by Queen Elizabeth.
Miss Gibson revealed the queen's first words to her were: "It must have been hot down there." Althea said she replied: "Sure, Madam. I hope it wasn't as hot up there for you."
Meanwhile in New York, Miss Gibson's parents said Althea advised them she would return home today but they have received no definite word from their daughter since she won the championship.
Miss Gibson's father, Daniel, a garage manager, said Althea had received many congratulatory telegrams, including one from Gov. Harriman.
