Who Is Billie Jean King and Why Is She an Important Figure in Tennis?

Billie Jean King is one of the most legendary figures in the tennis world. The American graced the sport during the 70s and the 80s and found success across formats. King is a former World No. 1 player and has won numerous accolades throughout her glittering career.

She has won 39 Grand Slam titles overall, with 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. At the age of 11, she bought her first tennis racquet with money saved from odd jobs. Who knew that this would be the start of an incredible journey thereafter?

By her teenage years, King was one of the best youth tennis players on the Western coast in the US. Her breakthrough came in 1961 as a 17-year-old when she won the Wimbledon title in women’s doubles.

Widely regarded as one of the best ever to grace a tennis court, King won the won the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open singles titles to claim three Grand Slam titles in a single year, 1972.

Why is Billie Jean King regarded as an important figure in tennis?

Over her career, she defeated some iconic players like Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and Margaret Court. However, she will be remembered for her famous victory in 1973. She defeated Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’.

King admitted, “I thought it would set us back 50 years if I didn’t win that match. It would ruin the women’s tour and affect all women’s self-esteem.” The same year, she also formed the Women’s Tennis Association.

King’s fight for gender equality in tennis

She was a trailblazer in the fight for equal prize pay for women. A torchbearer for equality and social justice, King threatened to boycott the U.S. Open in 1973 if the pay inequality wasn’t addressed. Her demands were met and the US Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money for women and men.

KNOW MORE: ‘Did You Know?’-Billie Jean King Credits Roger Federer for Coining the Term ‘Happy Slam’ at Australian Open

Moreover, the American legend had spent the 60s and early 70s campaigning tirelessly for equality for women in sports. Also a social activist, Billie advocated to help pass Title IX in 1972, a provision which prohibits sex discrimination in all federally funded school programs, including sports.

If not for her, women’s tennis would have been an entirely different game compared to what it is today. Her role in bringing the women’s game on par with the men’s game was immense. She is a true legend on and off the court!