Billie Jean King is a world-renowned tennis player and former world number one. She won 39 major titles. These included 12 singles titles (16 women's doubles) and 11 mixed doubles (11 mixed doubles). She also represented the United States at nine Wightman Cups as well seven Federation Cups.
Billie Jean King is a career
Billie Jean King is one among the most successful female athletes ever. On November 22, 1942, she was born in Long Beach. Billie Jean is a natural athlete. As a child, she played softball before becoming a tennis player at the age 11 years. 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 style and made opponents make mistakes.
Her struggle for equal pay in tennis
Billie Jean King, the first professional female tennis player, was a strong advocate for gender equality. She used her tennis career for this cause. Bobby Riggs (a male chauvinist) was the opponent she took on in a "Battle of the Sexes match. Riggs, who is a self-described male chauvinist wanted to show that women's tennis is superior to men's. King defeated Riggs by two sets. The match attracted 90 million viewers. King took home $100,000 in prize money.
Her advocacy for gay- and lesbian equality
Billie Jean King is a legend in American sports history. Her victory over Bobby Riggs in 1973 was the first Openly Gay woman to win Grand Slam. She revolutionized the game. 50 million people saw her 1973 win over Bobby Riggs and it was a historic moment for female athletes. King was uncomfortable with her sexuality even though she was 51.
Her boldest statement ever
Billie Jean King's bold first statement is important for many reasons. For one thing, it makes a statement about her gender, which often isn't addressed to women. It's also not about sex. Instead, it's about female empowerment. Many female celebrities are famous for their looks, marriages, and activism for women. These women include Cybill Shepherd and Pat Nixon, as well as Betty Friedan.
Her life mission
Billie Jean King made it her life's mission to empower women and girls in sport. This was achieved by her founding of the Women's Tennis Association and piloting the Virginia Slims Tour. She also campaigned for Title IX funding which ensures equal funding for women's and men's sports. 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's legacy extends beyond her tennis skills. American tennis star Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slams. She is also the only female athlete to be included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential Americans of the 20th Century. She founded the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, and World TeamTennis which is a professional mixed-gender league of tennis.