‘Love the Fact the Women and Men Have the Same Association Together’ – Billie Jean King Talks About PSA World Tour During Windy City Open 2022

Billie Jean King has been an iconic tennis player, not just on the court, but off it too. The American tennis legend has won an astonishing 39 Grand Slam titles across formats. She has 12 major titles in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles to her credit.

Off the court, she was a torch-bearer for equal rights of women. Her contributions towards bringing the women’s game on an equal level with the men’s game in tennis have been immense. Recently, she talked about the Professional Squash Association during the Windy City Open 2022 in Chicago.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘First Title as Mrs. Altidore’ – Sloane Stephens Admits to a Bittersweet Moment Amidst the Ukraine Crisis as Frances Tiafoe and Other Tennis Players Congratulate Her

Billie Jean King opens up on gender equality in Squash

The former World Number 1 tennis icon was present to witness the live-action of the Windy City Open. Further, during an interview, she was asked about the level of women’s games in Squash. She said, “Well, I think it’s a fantastic tournament. And the way they played, I mean we’re used to it, aren’t we?” 

Moreover, she added, “I think having equal prize money here is just a step forward for the sport. I’m fascinated by it…I love the fact the women and men have the same association together and work together, which is going to help grow the sport.”

Talking about the sport of squash, she said, “I’d like to see Squash in the Olympics. It deserves to be in the Olympics, it’s played in many, many countries. It’s got men, it’s got women, it should be in the Olympics.”

Billie Jean King had many memorable victories over the likes of Martina Navratilova, Margaret Court, Chris Evert, and other tennis greats. However, her most important victory came against Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in 1973. It was a turning point from the view of bringing the women’s game on an equal level to the men’s game.

Further, she fought for equal prize money for women and men in tennis and formed the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973. Additionally, she advocated helping pass Title IX in 1972. Surely, the women’s game would not have been the same today if not for Billie Jean King!

WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis