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Billie Jean King



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Billie Jean King (previous world number one) is a well-known tennis player. She won 39 major titles, including 16 singles titles, 16 women’s doubles titles and 11 mixed doubles championships. 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 the greatest female athletes of all times. She was born on November 22, 1942 in Long Beach. A natural athlete, Billie Jean played softball as a child before turning to tennis at the age of eleven. Encouraged by her father, King began taking lessons from tennis legend Clyde Walker, who would give her free tennis lessons when she was younger. King was known for being aggressive in the sport, and her play forced opponents into making mistakes.

Her fight 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. Bobby Riggs, a male chauvinist, was her opponent in a "Battle of the Sexes” match. Riggs, a self-proclaimed man chauvinist, wanted women's tennis to be superior to men. King beat Riggs in straight sets, a match in which 90 million people tuned in. King was awarded $100,000 cash prize money.

She advocates for gay rights and lesbian rights

Billie Jean King, an American icon in sports history, is Billie Jean King. She was the first openly homosexual woman 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 uncomfortable with her sexuality even though she was 51.


Her boldest statement ever

Billie Jean King’s bold first utterance is important for a variety reasons. For one thing, it makes a statement about her gender, which often isn't addressed to women. And secondly, it isn't just about sex, but about the importance of female empowerment. Although most women are known for their looks and their marriages, some of the most prominent female celebrities have been known for their advocacy for women. Some of these women include Cybill shepherd, Pat Nixon and Betty Friedan.

Her life mission

Billie Jean King was a woman whose life goal was to see girls and women in sport reach their full potential. She achieved this by founding the Women's Tennis Association, piloting Virginia Slims tours, and advocating for Title IX funding. Title IX funding ensures equal funding for both men's & women's sport. 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 is more than just a tennis player. American tennis legend Billie Jean Kings won 39 Grand Slams. The only female athlete on Time magazine's list for the 100 most influential Americans is her. She founded the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, and World TeamTennis which is a professional mixed-gender league of tennis.



 



Billie Jean King