‘Many Thought We Were Bitter Enemies’- Tennis Legend’s Astounding Confession on Famous American Gambler

The tennis legend, Billie Jean King, remembered his ‘Battle of Sexes’ opponent, Bobby Riggs on his 105th birth anniversary. As she recalls the amazing match that was played to showcase gender equality in tennis. She also revealed a secret about her and Riggs’ rivalry after exactly 50 years since they played the iconic game.

The former American tennis star Bobby Riggs was one of the best players of his time who won Wimbledon in 1939 and the US Open in the same year. However, regardless of his victories and achievement, he is always remembered for his ‘Battle of the sexes’ match that took place in 1973.

After his retirement, Riggs became an avid gambler.

Billie Jean King reveals a secret about Riggs on his 105th Birth Anniversary 

The 79-year-old tennis legend took to her Instagram account to share a video in which she talked about her  strife with Riggs back in the day. She also said that the general perception was that they were bitter enemies who couldn’t stand each other. But the reality was that they were good friends off the tennis court.

In that video, she recalled the iconic match first, “Bobby Riggs was born February 25, 1918 and today he would have turned 105 years young, Yikes. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Sexes, where I played Bobby at the Houston Astrodome in front of a worldwide audience of over 90 million people.”

Further, she also highlighted that the day was significant as it brought the spotlight to the need for equality in sports.

She added, ” It was about much more than tennis. It was a great day to celebrate equality. As for Bobby and me, many thought we were bitter enemies. The truth was we were friends. I’m thinking about you today on your birthday Bobby and I’ll be thinking about you again in September. Love you.”

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Nevertheless, the 12-time Grand Slam champion once recalled how she upset the three-time Grand Slam champion during the historic match.

When King purposely angered Riggs during the match

The former women’s world number one tennis player knew everything about the famous ATP star of that time against whom she was engaged in an iconic battle. And just to get on his nerves on the tennis court, she bad-mouthed the three-time Grand Slam champion and made him fume.

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However, the 12-time Grand Slam champion was clearly aware of what she was doing. But she believed that was the right thing to do at the moment as she was fighting for gender equality in tennis.