Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King was born in Long Beach, California, on November 22, 1943. She is considered one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. Over her career, she won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 in singles, 16 in doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. Her impact on the sport goes beyond her titles, as she was a vocal advocate for gender equality and social justice, significantly influencing the equal prize movement in tennis.

On September 23, 1970, Billie Jean King was part of the 'Original 9' group of female tennis players who initiated the Virginia Slims Circuit, leading to the foundation of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973. This act of defiance against the United States Lawn Tennis Association's unequal treatment of women in the sport was a pivotal moment in the evolution of women's professional tennis, providing women players with more autonomy and better financial opportunities.

In 1971, Billie Jean King became the first woman athlete to earn more than $100,000 in a single season. By winning the US Open, she cemented her status as a pioneer in women’s professional sports. This achievement underscored her exceptional talent on the court and her vital role in fighting for equal prize money in sports during a time when women were systematically paid less than their male counterparts.

Billie Jean King founded the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) on May 13, 1973. The WTA serves as the principal organizing body of women's professional tennis, making a significant impact on the sport by promoting equality and supporting female athletes. King's activism and leadership helped solidify a professional structure for female tennis players, ensuring their voices were heard and contributing to the fight for equality in sports.

On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the 'Battle of the Sexes' match, watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide. The match was held at the Houston Astrodome and became a symbol of the women's liberation movement. King's victory was not just a triumph in tennis, but a significant cultural milestone, showcasing the capabilities of female athletes and confronting sexist attitudes towards women in sports.

In 1974, Billie Jean King co-founded World TeamTennis (WTT), a mixed-gender professional tennis league that brought innovations such as playing let serves and having no-ad scoring. King’s involvement with WTT highlighted her commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in sports, as well as her willingness to explore new formats to increase the sport's fanbase and accessibility.

Billie Jean King was officially ranked World No. 1 in women's singles at the end of the year for the 5th time in 1975. Dominating the sport with her tactical play and fierce competitiveness, her success and the top ranking underscored her position as a top player in her era and added to the accolades of her pioneering career, which included advocating for gender equity in the sport of tennis.

On June 25, 1977, Billie Jean King won her sixth Wimbledon singles title, defeating Chris Evert in the final. This victory marked her as one of the most successful players in Wimbledon history. Her achievements at Wimbledon, the sport's most prestigious tournament, demonstrated her incredible skill and tenacity on grass courts. King's career at Wimbledon also includes numerous doubles and mixed doubles titles, showcasing her all-around prowess.

In May 1981, Billie Jean King became the first prominent female athlete to publicly come out as gay. This revelation came during a time when coming out posed significant personal and professional risks, both in and out of the sporting world. Her courage in doing so broke down barriers for countless others, providing an example of strength and leading to greater acceptance and openness within the LGBT community and sports industry.

On August 12, 2009, Billie Jean King was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. This prestigious award, the nation’s highest civilian honor, was given to recognize her contributions to the advancement of women's rights, LGBTQ advocacy, and her unparalleled impact in the sporting world. Her legacy is celebrated both on and off the court, exemplifying her influence as a trailblazer in the fight for equality.