Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King, born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California, is an American former professional tennis player. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of tennis. King began her professional career in 1959 before retiring in 1983. She won a total of 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.

King is known for her powerful forehand, volleying skills, and tactical intelligence. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records. She is also recognized for her advocacy for gender equality in sports.

Off the court, King is recognized for her philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Billie Jean King started playing tennis at a young age and turned professional in 1959. She quickly rose through the ranks and established herself as a formidable player.

Grand Slam Success

• King won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 1962 in the women's doubles category. Her first Grand Slam singles title came in 1966 at Wimbledon. She would go on to win a total of 39 Grand Slam titles - 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.

Battle of the Sexes

• In 1973, King participated in a highly publicized exhibition match against Bobby Riggs, a former world number 1 men's player. The match, known as the 'Battle of the Sexes', was watched by a worldwide television audience of over 90 million. King's victory is considered a milestone in public acceptance of women's tennis.

Retirement

• King retired from professional tennis in 1983 but continued to be involved in the sport as a coach, commentator, and advocate for gender equality in sports.

United States Fed Cup Team

• King was a part of the United States Fed Cup team for several years, both as a player and as a non-playing captain. The team won several titles during her tenure.

• Playing Style: Known for her aggressive playing style, powerful forehand, and strategic approach to the game. King was a versatile player who excelled in both singles and doubles.

• Family: King was married to Larry King (not the television host) from 1965 to 1987. She publicly acknowledged her homosexuality in 1981 and has been in a relationship with her former doubles partner, Ilana Kloss, since 1987.
• Philanthropy: King is involved in various charitable activities and has made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights and women's rights movements.

• Billie Jean King is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her pioneering role in advocating for gender equality in sports. Her impact on the sport of tennis and her status as an icon extend beyond the court, inspiring millions of fans and athletes around the world.

Grand Slam Titles:

• 12 Singles titles, 16 Women's Doubles titles, and 11 Mixed Doubles titles

Fed Cup Titles:

• Several wins as a player and non-playing captain

Other Honors:

• Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987
• Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009

Books

• King, B.J., & Kaplan, F. (1982) Billie Jean. New York: HarperCollins.
• Ware, S. (2011) Game, Set, Match: Billie Jean King and the Revolution in Women's Sports. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press.

Websites

• WTA: Information about Billie Jean King’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.wtatennis.com
• International Tennis Hall of Fame: Details about King’s career and her impact on the sport. Available at: https://www.tennisfame.com

Articles

• ESPN: Billie Jean King: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/tennis/player/_/id/456/billie-jean-king
• The Guardian: Billie Jean King’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/billie-jean-king

Interviews and Documentaries

• Billie Jean King: Portrait of a Pioneer (2006): Directed by James Erskine. This documentary provides a detailed look at King’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Billie Jean King, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com