‘Slept in a Parking Lot to Come Watch You Guys Play’ – Tennis World Turns Nostalgic as a Rare Photo Featuring Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King Surfaces

Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King are regarded as two of the greatest tennis players of all time. Navratilova won her first Grand Slam title in 1978 at Wimbledon, and since then her battle with Billie Jean King for major honors intensified. When a picture of both legends was posted by King on Twitter, fans reminisced about the time such iconic players used to rule the court.

Martina Navratilova won 9 out of the 14 matches against King. The former World No.1s, Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King, first went against each other in the quarterfinals of the Atlanta Open in 1977.

Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova reminisce about their 1975 meet up

Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova have had many epic battles on the tennis court during their heyday. Despite King dominating the Czech-Republic player at the start of their rivalry, over the course of her career, Navratilova not only dominated the latter stages of their rivalry but also went on to become arguably the greatest all format player of all time, winning 59 Grand Slam titles. When King shared the picture of the two legends standing side by side, fans got an opportunity to reminisce about the powerful duo’s influence on tennis.

In the picture, the American duo can be seen standing in front of the schedule board, having a chat with their unique tennis rackets during the 1975 Family Circle Cup. Her rival turned close friend, Chris Evert, shared her delightful reaction to the photo. She tweeted, “I look at these names. Such wonderful memories during an exciting time of building a tour for women… Thank you, Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova. “

Fans were happy to go down the memory lane. One such user tweeted, “The three of you made tennis for me. It’s what made me want to be a tennis player. It was my refuge being a gay kid from NC. I played in HS and College. Thank you for your contribution to my life! I’ve had the honor to meet all three of you multiple times over my. Thank you!”

There has never been, and probably never will be an athlete in any sport like Martina Navratilova, who has achieved so much in her career. She is one of the few tennis players to have won singles, doubles and mixed titles at all major events.

READ MORE – Martina Navratilova Once Lambasted Novak Djokovic for His Absurd Comments on Equal Prize Money: ‘Serena Williams Should Be the Highest Paid Player…

Fans rightfully credit the growth of women’s tennis to such legends. One such user tweeted,” The ladies of this era made tennis so much fun to watch.”

Eager fans were quick enough to point out their favorites. One loyal fan said,”I was going to ask who won the tournament but looked at the year. Chris Evert was on her clay court winning streak.”

Some expressed their love for the tournament and said, “Loved the Circle Cup ..”

Many expressed their troubles and the fun they had during the tournament. One such user shared,” I loved the family circle. When I was in college I drove all night and slept in a parking lot to come watch you guys play. Unfortunately, the tournament sells out. I’ll never forget the kind man I met at breakfast. He & his wife tracked me down and invited me in their box.”

The era of women’s tennis reached new heights when legends graced their presence on the court. A fan mesmerized who was mesmerized by this era, tweeted, “Cool era for sports…Ta ladies:)”

After Navratilova retired from professional tennis, she continued her journey in the sport as a commentator and pundit. She, along with King, was one of the first prominent athletes to voice their opinions on issues like gender equality and LGBTQ rights.

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