Billie Jean King (previous world number one) is a well-known tennis player. She won 39 major titles, including 12 singles titles, 16 women's doubles titles, and 11 mixed doubles titles. In addition, she played for the United States national team in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups.
Billie Jean King's career
Billie Jean King, one of the greatest female athletes of our time, is Billie Jean King. She was born on November 22, 1942 in Long Beach. Billie Jean, a natural athlete, played softball as an infant before she began playing tennis at eleven. King was encouraged to start lessons by her father. Clyde Walker would offer free lessons for King when she was younger. King was known for being aggressive in the sport, and her play forced opponents into making mistakes.
She fights for equal pay in Tennis
Billie Jean King, the first female professional tennis player, was a passionate advocate for gender equality and she used her tennis career to fight for it. She took on the notorious male chauvinist Bobby Riggs in a "Battle of the Sexes" match. Riggs is a self-described male Chuvinist and wanted to prove women's play was better than men's. 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.
Her advocacy for gay and lesbian rights
Billie Jean King is an icon of American sports history. She changed the face and culture of the sport by becoming the first openly gay woman ever to win the Grand Slam. Her famous 1973 win over Bobby Riggs was watched by 50 million people, and it marked a turning point for female athletes. King was still not comfortable with her sexuality when she was 51.
Her boldest statement ever
Billie Jean King is a bold and important first statement. 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 Shepherd, Pat Nixon, Betty Friedan, and others.
Her life mission
Billie Jean King made it her life's mission to empower women and girls in sport. She was instrumental in establishing the Women's Tennis Association. She was also one of the first athletes to openly identify as gay.
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 founded World TeamTennis (a professional mixed-gender tennis league) and Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative.