There were, are, and will be many legends in tennis, but none would be above the great Billie Jean King. Not only did she inspire the world with her tennis racquet, but she also became the pioneer of women’s tennis that is today. And today, this 39 combined Grand Slam titles champion and the founder of Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) celebrates her 78th birthday. Naturally, Twitter floods with wishes for her.
Famously, King once won the Battle of the Sexes against American tennis legend Bobby Riggs. Since then, she has diligently worked to improve the status of women tennis players. At 78, she is not looking forward to stopping anytime soon.
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What’s most interestingly, the former World No.1 shared a message on her birthday. The legend concluded, “I’m not done yet!”
Life is fragile & each day is a gift. Today I am 78 years young.
Feeling grateful for the love & support of family, friends, & all of you, because relationships are everything.
Heading into this next year with energy, renewed hope & goals both big & small.
I’m not done yet! pic.twitter.com/c8htqGk3xo
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 22, 2021
Accordingly, many personalities from tennis and outside shared their love for King. These include Chris Evert, Boris Becker, Hillary Clinton, Katrina Adams, Rennae Stubbs, Craig Tiley, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Britni de la Cretaz, Jayna Hefford, Tara Slone, Sara Spain, and many others.
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Hillary Clinton, Chris Evert, and others wish Billie Jean King on her 78th birthday
First of all, the 18 Grand Slam singles titles champion wished her friend on Twitter. Chris Evert wrote, “A big Happy Birthday to the King and Queen of tennis, Billie Jean King, who continues to inspire every generation with her wisdom and her passion.”
A big Happy Birthday to the King and Queen of tennis, @BillieJeanKing who continues to inspire every generation with her wisdom and her passion. Have a great one, my friend ❤️👍
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) November 22, 2021
Furthermore, the Former United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, wished her another joyful trip around the sun.
Happy birthday! Wishing you another joyful trip around the sun. 🎉
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 22, 2021
Without any doubt, Billie Jean King encouraged millions of people on and off the court. On her 78th birthday, they all came in together to remind her that.
Happy Birthday to the one and only @billiejeanking
Thank you for you #friendship #mentorship #leadership #vision and #energy
You continue to show up daily and the world is grateful for your #passion
Have a wonderful day🤗 pic.twitter.com/PBmMbc5kto— Katrina Adams 🦋 (@katadams68) November 22, 2021
Happy birthday, @BillieJeanKing! 🐐
I am so thankful for your guidance, leadership and friendship! pic.twitter.com/oncIZOHQjk
— Kendall Coyne Schofield (@KendallCoyne) November 22, 2021
Happy birthday to the legend @BillieJeanKing! BJK makes several appearances in HAIL MARY, both for being at the helm of the magazine that put 2 NWFL players on the cover & for competing in ABC All-Stars competitions alongside some! 🧵 pic.twitter.com/XNz6gjkosa
— Britni de la Cretaz (@britnidlc) November 22, 2021
Happy Birthday @BillieJeanKing – I can’t wait to see what’s next! Thank you for your leadership, wisdom and passion https://t.co/T7L9JQTmde
— Jayna Hefford (@J16H) November 22, 2021
I love this shero so much. @BillieJeanKing Happy Bday Billie. You’re our greatest north star. U changed so many Women’s lives with your bravery & fight for equality & we can never say thank U enough. But above all, there is not a better more caring person. ❤️ U! Enjoy your day x pic.twitter.com/PccIiC9bJ1
— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) November 22, 2021
Happy birthday @BillieJeanKing – have a great day legend! https://t.co/6BpUjuYhJI
— Craig Tiley (@CraigTiley) November 22, 2021
Wishing a very happy 78th birthday to the great @BillieJeanKing, the patron saint of shattering glass ceilings!
Grateful for your leadership, kindness, and unwavering determination. We are your humble students. ❤️🎂❤️ pic.twitter.com/htBHLGozWm
— Tara Slone (@TaraSlone) November 22, 2021
A bright, shining beacon of light and change for decades. You’re the best, @BillieJeanKing! https://t.co/RhQy0Wqbe4
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) November 22, 2021
As King said, “I’m not done yet,” fans hope to see her shape the future of tennis. But above all, she continues to be a living example of courage, strength, and heart.
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King’s tennis career milestones
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Notably, King had been the World’s No.1 in both singles and doubles. Moreover, she won 129 career titles, out of which 67 came in the Open Era.
Also, King won the Fed Cup seven times as a player and four times as a captain. Fascinatingly, the 1.64m tall legend is also the shortest player to win a Grand Slam.
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Hopefully, King will continue to build her legacy and keep inspiring the world with her passion. And Happy Birthday!
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