WTA Pioneer Unlocks 27-Year-Old Stirring Olympics Tale to Pay Tribute to American Tennis Legend on Her Special Day

Billie Jean King is one of the biggest names in tennis. All tennis enthusiasts admire her accomplishments, both on and off the court. Aside from being a tennis great, she was also an influential coach for the American national team. Even after her retirement, she played a crucial role in the careers of certain women. One such woman is Lindsay Davenport.

Davenport has acknowledged in the past that King was her biggest inspiration. She also considers King as a role model who has undoubtedly made a substantial impact on American tennis players. Recently, King recalled her contribution to Davenport’s success.

Billie Jean King takes a trip down the memory lane

Almost every women’s tennis player is indebted to King for her role in developing women’s tennis. However, Davenport has arguably benefited heavily from King’s guidance. During the 1996 Olympics, King coached the U.S. women’s tennis team. Davenport was one representative in the women’s singles, and she eventually bagged the gold medal.

Yesterday marked the 27-year anniversary of the historic event and King took to Twitter to revisit the moment. She tweeted, “27 years ago today, Lindsay Davenport defeated Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario to win Gold at the Atlanta @Olympics. It was the first major title won by the future World No 1. I was an Olympic coach that year. It was so special to watch Lindsay win in front of family and friends.“

It was undoubtedly a significant moment in King’s coaching career. However, her coaching career turned out to be an extremely decorated one in the following years.

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King’s many hats include historic coaching accolades

The 12-time major champion coached the American Fed Cup team from 1995-1996 and 1998-2003. During her second tenure, which lasted six years, America tasted success twice in the team event. She also served as a coach for the American women’s team in the Olympics in 1996 and 2000. In those years, the American women swept their respective events.

The duo of Gigi and Mary Joe Fernandez brought home the gold in 1996 alongside Davenport in singles. On the other hand, Venus and Serena Williams were crowned doubles champions in 2000, adding to the former’s singles success in the same edition.

What do you reckon about Billie Jean King’s coaching stints? Is she a better player than an activist or coach? Do let us know in the comments.

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