Billie Jean King (previous world number one) is a well-known tennis player. She won 39 major titles including 12 singles titles and 16 women's doubles title. She also played in the United States' national team at seven Federation Cups, nine Wightman Cups, and eight other Wightman Cups.
Billie Jean King's career
Billie Jean King is one of the most successful female athletes of all time. She was born in Long Beach, California on November 22, 1942. Billie Jean is a natural athlete. As a child, she played softball before becoming a tennis player at the age 11 years. King began lessons from Clyde Walker when she was younger, who encouraged her. King was known for her aggressive play and forced her opponents to make mistakes.
She fights for equal pay in Tennis
Billie Jean King became the first woman professional tennis player. She took on the notorious male chauvinist Bobby Riggs in a "Battle of the Sexes" match. Riggs, a self-proclaimed male chauvinist, wanted to prove that women's tennis was inferior to men's. King beat Riggs, in straight sets. A match in which 90,000,000 people tuned in. King was awarded $100,000 cash prize money.
Her advocacy for gay- and lesbian equality
Billie Jean King has been a symbol of American sports history. She was the first openly homosexual woman to win the Grand Slam. 50 million people saw her 1973 win over Bobby Riggs and it was a historic moment for female athletes. King was not comfortable with her sexuality, even after she turned 51.
Her boldest statement yet
Billie Jean King’s bold first utterance is important for a variety reasons. It is clear that it speaks about her gender. This statement often doesn't reach women. And secondly, it isn't just about sex, but about the importance of female empowerment. 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 was instrumental in establishing the Women's Tennis Association. She is also a pioneer in equality in sports, having been one of the first to come out as gay.
Her legacy
Billie Jean King left a lasting legacy beyond her talents as a tennis player. American tennis star Billiejean King won 39 Grand Slams. She was also the first female athlete to make Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential Americans in the 20th century. She was also the founders of World TeamTennis, an international professional mixed-gender team tennis league.