Billie Jean King
A pioneering tennis champion and advocate for gender equality in sports, famous for defeating Bobby Riggs in the widely watched "Battle of the Sexes" match
Agreeing to play a widely hyped exhibition match against a much older former champion who had boasted about male athletic superiority, this player's decisive victory became a landmark moment for women's sports.
A Champion On and Off the Court
King won numerous major tennis championships throughout her career while simultaneously becoming one of the sport's most significant advocates for gender equality and fair treatment.
The "Battle of the Sexes"
King's decisive 1973 victory over former champion Bobby Riggs in a widely watched exhibition match became a landmark cultural moment for women's sports and gender equality.
Founding the Women's Tennis Association
King played a significant role in establishing the Women's Tennis Association, advocating for equal prize money and professional opportunities for female tennis players.
A Lasting Legacy for Gender Equality
King's advocacy significantly advanced gender equality in professional sports, and the USTA's major tennis complex was renamed in her honor, reflecting her enduring influence.
