Billie Jean King

Biography

Billie Jean King's impact extends far beyond her 39 Grand Slam titles. She founded the Women's Tennis Association, fought for equal prize money, and changed how female athletes were valued. The 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs wasn't just tennis - it was a cultural moment watched by 90 million people, with King knowing that a loss would set women's sports back decades. She won in straight sets. Her aggressive serve-and-volley style foreshadowed modern power tennis, while her net skills made her a dominant doubles player. Coming out as gay in 1981, she lost all her endorsement deals but gained something more valuable: the chance to live authentically. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center now bears her name, honoring the player who changed tennis and the activist who changed society.

Career Highlights

• 12 Grand Slam singles titles
• 39 Grand Slam titles across all events
• Founded Women's Tennis Association
• Won Battle of the Sexes vs Bobby Riggs
• Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient

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