See main article: 1968 United States Open (tennis).
Arthur Ashe defeated Tom Okker in the final, 14–12, 5–7, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 1968 U.S. Open.[1] It was his first major singles title, and Ashe became the first African-American man to win a major. This was the first edition of the tournament open to professional players, a period in tennis history known as the Open Era.
John Newcombe was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Clark Graebner.
The seeded players are listed below. Arthur Ashe is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
Rod Laver (fourth round) Tony Roche (fourth round) Ken Rosewall (semifinals) John Newcombe (quarterfinals)
Arthur Ashe (champion) Dennis Ralston (quarterfinals) Clark Graebner (semifinals)
Tom Okker (finals)
Andrés Gimeno (first round) Fred Stolle (second round) Charlie Pasarell (third round) Richard Pancho Gonzales (quarterfinals) Roy Emerson (fourth round) Marty Riessen (second round)
Cliff Drysdale (quarterfinals)