Billie Jean King is a world-renowned tennis player and former world number one. She won 39 major tennis titles, including 16 singles titles as well as 16 women's doubles titles. She was also a member of the United States national team, participating in seven Federation Cups as well as nine Wightman Cups.
Billie Jean King's career
Billie Jean King is one among the most successful female athletes ever. She was born in Long Beach, California on November 22, 1942. Billie Jean, a natural athlete, played softball as an infant before she began playing tennis at eleven. King was encouraged by her father to take lessons from Clyde Walker, a tennis legend who would also give free lessons when King was younger. King was known for her aggressive play and forced her opponents to make mistakes.
Her fight for equal pay in tennis
Billie Jean King was the first female professional tennis player. She was an avid advocate for gender equality, and used her tennis career as a platform to do so. Bobby Riggs (a male chauvinist) was the opponent she took on in a "Battle of the Sexes match. Riggs, a self-proclaimed man chauvinist, wanted women's tennis to be superior to men. King defeated Riggs in straight sets in a match that was watched by 90 million people. King won $100,000 in prize money during the match.
She advocates for gay rights and lesbian rights
Billie Jean King represents American sports history. She is the first openly transgender woman to win Grand Slam. 50 million people watched Bobby Riggs' 1973 victory and it was a landmark moment for female athletes. However, King was still uncomfortable with her sexuality until she was 51 years old.
Her first bold statement
Billie Jean King's first bold utterance is an important one for a variety of reasons. It makes a statement about Billie Jean King's gender, something that is often not addressed to women. Second, it's not about sex. It is about empowerment of women. Most female celebrities are well-known for their appearances and marriages. However, the most important ones are known for their advocacy on behalf of women. Some of these women include Cybill Shephard, Pat Nixon, Betty Friedan and many others.
Her life mission
Billie Jean King lived a life devoted to helping girls and women in sports achieve their full potential. She made this happen by founding the Women's Tennis Association. She also piloted the Virginia Slims tour and campaigned for Title IX funding. Title IX funding allows for equal funding of men's as well as women's sporting activities. Her accomplishments include being the first person to publicly identify herself as gay, and continuing to advocate for equality in sport today.
Her legacy
Billie Jean King left a lasting legacy beyond her talents as a tennis player. American tennis player Billie Jean King was the only woman to make Time magazine’s list as the 100 most influential Americans of 20th century. She was also the founder of World TeamTennis and Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative.