‘Not a White Sport Anymore’- Billie Jean King Reaffirms Tennis’ Growing Popularity Owing to Stars Like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka

Billie Jean King is a tennis icon and probably one of the most influential tennis players in history. Apart from being a great tennis player, her work against gender inequality in sports is what she is remembered for. Nowadays, King works with many organizations to motivate young girls to take up sports. Additionally, she has taken an initiative to bring tennis coaching facilities to underprivileged kids. She is also the co-chairman of The City Parks Foundation. It’s an organization that raises funds for providing coaching facilities to children in New York City.

While being the flag bearer of women in sports, she continues to fight for social justice and equality as well. King recently spoke about the importance of grooming underprivileged children who come from public parks.

Billie Jean King believes tennis is for all

Tennis is no more a sport for the rich. We have seen participation and interest from all parts of society. Also, we have seen many examples of players like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka who came from humble financial backgrounds and make it big on the professional level.

Speaking about the initiatives from The City Parks Foundation, King revealed how the majority of tennis players in the US come from poor backgrounds and need their support. “Most champions, many champions come from public parks but more importantly, 70% of tennis is played in public parks. It’s not just a rich white sport. It’s not a white sport anymore. If you can see, you can feel it,” she said.

Read more: ‘Very Impressed’- Billie Jean King Lauds Naomi Osaka’s Sister for Evolving From Tennis to Fashion

It’s a noble initiative from the organization and there’s no person better than King to head such a cause.

King calls for wider coverage of Women’s sports

As it has happened for years, the coverage of women’s sports was never on par with that of men’s. However, at this US Open, something different happened. As legendary tennis star Serena Williams declared her retirement, viewers flocked to watch her in the Arthur Ashe stadium.

Additionally, 4.8 million viewers watched it on their television screens. Tennis legend Billie Jean King took to her Twitter account to share her feeling about the same. She also noted that since ESPN started 43 years ago, this was the first time a female athlete drew that amount of viewers. Further, the 78-year-old called for better media coverage in women’s sports.

With Serena setting the trend, the world has seen what women can do. It surely will increase people’s interest in women’s sports, which will directly impact the way women’s games are broadcasted.

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