Junie Chatman: Richmond Tennis Trailblazer

In the story of American tennis, many names shine under the bright lights of fame. Others excelled without the spotlight. Junie “Chat” Chatman, a Richmond, Virginia native, is one of those figures — a talented player, a dedicated coach, and a mentor whose influence has reach beyond the court. His journey reflects both the triumphs and the trials of a Black athlete navigating a sport that has not always been welcoming to people of color.

Growing up near the courts at Byrd Park in Richmond, Virginia, Junie discovered tennis at a time when access to the sport for African Americans was limited. Despite being the only black player to play there regularly, Junie’s infectious personality and obvious talent made him stand out. Hours and hours of play and practice sharpened his game, where he won the Virginia State High School championships in singles and doubles.  For this accomplishment, he became the first African American to receive a full tennis scholarship at the University of North Carolina (UNC).  He quickly became a standout in collegiate tennis, winning four Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championships, three in singles and one in doubles.

After college, Chat took his talents to the professional level, joining the ATP Tour, where he would attain a high ranking of 219 in singles and 120 doubles. While singles competition was intense, most of his success came in doubles, where teamwork and chemistry allowed his strategic mind and quick hands to shine. Among his career highlights was a memorable victory over tennis legend Jimmy Connors in doubles (1982 Rotterdam, Round of 16, 7-5, 6-2). This feat solidified his place in the tennis world and served as a reminder that he belonged on the same stage as the game’s elite. Despite some successes on tour, Junie often faced subtle and overt challenges — from limited sponsorship opportunities to social isolation within the tennis establishment.

After his touring days, Junie transitioned into coaching — a role well suited for his personality, where his experience, patience, and insight found new meaning. He became a respected instructor and mentor in the Central Virginia area.  His approach concentrated on technique and sportsmanship, but above all, on having fun. Those who trained under him often described Junie as more than a coach — he was a teacher, a motivator, and a steady voice in a sport that can test one’s confidence as much as one’s physical ability. Through his mentorship, he not only shaped better athletes but also instilled in them the values of character and resilience, making them better people (including me).  Junie’s continued excellence led him to become a USTA High Performance Tennis pro and was selected as one of the top 50 Black coaches in the country, allowing him to work with some of the most promising young players in the country.  He was recognized as a thirty-year member of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) in 2019 and was recently inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.

Today, Junie’s story is proof that some of the most important figures in tennis history are the ones who helped others believe they belonged on the court — a Richmond son whose influence continues to ripple through players that he touched, taught, and inspired along the way.