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 represented the United States at nine Wightman Cups as well seven Federation Cups.
Billie Jean King is a career
Billie Jean King was one of the most accomplished female athletes of all time. She was born in Long Beach on 22 November 1942. 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 tennis wages
Billie Jean King (the first female professional tennis tennis player) was a fierce advocate for gender equality. In a "Battle of the Sexes", King faced Bobby Riggs, a notorious male chauvinist. Riggs, a self-proclaimed man chauvinist, wanted women's tennis to be superior to men. King defeated Riggs by two sets. The match attracted 90 million viewers. King took home $100,000 in prize money.
She has been a vocal advocate for lesbian and gay 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. 50 million people watched Bobby Riggs' 1973 victory and it was a landmark moment for female athletes. King was uncomfortable with her sexuality even though she was 51.
Her boldest statement yet
Billie Jean King’s bold first utterance is important for a variety reasons. It makes a statement about Billie Jean King's gender, something that is often not addressed to women. It's not just about sex but also about female empowerment. While most female celebrities are famed for their looks and marriages, the most influential ones have become renowned for their activism on behalf of women. These women include Cybill Shepherd and Pat Nixon, as well as Betty Friedan.
Her life mission
Billie Jean King had one goal in her life: to help girls and women excel in sports. She did this by founding the Women's Tennis Association, piloting the Virginia Slims tour, and campaigning for Title IX funding, which calls for equal funding for men's and women's sports. 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 the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, and World TeamTennis which is a professional mixed-gender league of tennis.