Billie Jean King is widely acknowledged as one of the living legends of tennis. Billie is said to be the mother of modern women’s tennis after what she did in 1973 by gathering together more than 60 women players for a meeting at the Gloucester Hotel in London a week before the Wimbledon Championships, which ultimately led to the birth of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
During her time on the court, Billie won a record 20 championships at Wimbledon and became the first woman in the history of sports to win $100,000 prize money in a single year.
Billie Jean King showcases brilliant skill at 80
Billie Jean King, who turned 80 yesterday, spent part of her birthday time doing what she loves best, playing tennis. The tennis legend captivated the world audience after defeating Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in 1973 in a match that was watched by 90 million people worldwide.
She has since always advocated for women participation and equal benefits in sport. The 12-time grand slam winner posted a video in X formerly known as Twitter captioned “Tennis on my 80th,” taking some impressive forehand and backhand shots on Wednesday.
Billie Jean King then followed that with a picture of her holding up a cake, baked by her niece, with her signature BJK initials on it.
“Couldn’t ask for more. I am so lucky,” King wrote. “80, I’m ready for you.”
The former No. 1 player in the world further reflected on the day in another post and thanked the WTA for their special tribute video, “Today, I am 80 years young,” King wrote.
“Relationships are everything. I am fortunate to have been surrounded by loved ones all my life. I look forward to each day. Having [my wife] Ilana by my side is my best gift. Creating opportunities for others makes me so happy. And I’m not done yet!”
Tennis world wishes Billie Jean King on her 80th birthday
Tennis players Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and several other tennis legends extended their wishes to Billie Jean King on her 80th birthday. During Billie Jean King’s illustrious career, she racked up an extraordinary total of 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
As an advocate for women’s rights both within and beyond the realm of sports, King’s legacy and unwavering dedication has touched countless women lives and they are not shy to admire her for that. She was one of the first women who advocated for equal pay for women and men athletes, and the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup is played is named after the tennis great.
Coco Gauff extended her wishes to King by writing, “Billie Jean King – she fought for prize money, for women’s tennis and what she’s done is incredible. She took a stance on something where the odds were against her and you know if you look at everything that we have today, at all pretty much came from someone like her.”
“So it’s really kind of crazy that she is still out there doing it today. She’s doing it for not just tennis but for everyone,” Jessica Pegula said.
Tennis legends Julie Heldman, Valerie Ziegenfuss, and Peaches Bartkowicz also extended their good wishes to her.
“Billie Jean King is one-of-a-kind,” Heldman wrote.
“Billie Jean put us on the map. She cares deeply. It’s very rare to find a leader like that,” Ziegenfuss said.
“She’s a natural leader. She’s brilliant and it’s not only just for women and tennis but at everything she does,” Bartkowicz wrote.
The tennis world wishes Billie Jean King many more years and long-life for all she her contribution to the growth and culture of the sport.
