‘Opened So Many Doors’ – Once Serena Williams Paid a Rich Tribute to Iconic Billie Jean King for Her Huge Contribution to Women’s Tennis

Serena Williams has carved out a legacy like no other in tennis. The American has won 23 Grand Slam titles, cementing her name amongst the greats. As she approaches the final leg of an utterly glorious career, Serena will be hoping to end it on the highest of highs.

At 40, she aims to match the all-time record of 24 Majors set by Margaret Court. Williams has come ever so close to the mark, but has fallen short on each occasion.

Williams praises Billie Jean King in a throwback interview

Serena Williams was a guest on the David Letterman show back in 2013. When quizzed by Letterman about the Battle of the Sexes match, Serena had kind words to say about the tennis legend. She said, “You know it was 40 years ago and incidentally 40 years ago as well Billie Jean King started the WTA Tour.

“People like me and my sister and every female athlete that plays tennis have an opportunity to play tennis. Be wonderful, powerful, amazing athletes and we all thank Billie Jean King. I love Billie, she was able to start and open so many doors for me,” Serena added.

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The Battle of the Sexes match was an iconic event between King and Bobby Riggs in 1973 in Houston. King came out on top on that occasion, taking a significant step forward in women’s tennis at the time.

Will Serena Williams return to the US Open?

After a first-round exit at Wimbledon this year, Serena will be contemplating her future on the WTA Tour. Ranked 1204 in the world, she returned after nearly 12 months of absence after a hamstring injury. However, despite her defeat to Harmony Tan at Centre Court, Serena showed glimpses of her dominant past, pushing her opponent all the way.

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With the US Open starting next month, the former World No.1 will aim to play at Flushing Meadows for possibly one last time. However, with injuries and lack of match practice, Serena will also aim to participate in the warm-up tournaments in Cincinnati and Montreal. Will we see Serena return to form this year? Will she make her way to the Tour in 2023?