Sporting icons : Billie Jean King -Women Tennis Legend - achievements, video

 


Billie Jean King is a former professional tennis player and a prominent figure in the history of women's tennis. She was born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California. King is best known for her advocacy for gender equality in sports and her famous "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs in 1973, which she won.


Throughout her career, Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. She was a pioneer in advocating for equal prize money and opportunities for women in tennis. King was also a co-founder of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women's Sports Foundation.


Her contributions to both tennis and gender equality have left a lasting legacy in the world of sports and beyond.


Billie Jean King's achievements are numerous and have had a significant impact on both the world of tennis and the broader realm of gender equality in sports. Here are some of her notable achievements:


1. **Grand Slam Titles**: Billie Jean King won a total of 39 Grand Slam titles in her career, including 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. Her Grand Slam singles titles include titles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.


Billie Jean King had a successful tennis career, and she won Grand Slam titles at each of the major tournaments:


A. **Wimbledon**: She won a total of 20 Wimbledon titles. This includes:

   - Singles: 6 titles (1966, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1975)

   - Women's Doubles: 10 titles

   - Mixed Doubles: 4 titles


B. **U.S. Open (formerly the U.S. National Championships)**: Billie Jean King won a total of 16 titles at the U.S. Open. These include:

   - Singles: 4 titles (1967, 1971, 1972, 1974)

   - Women's Doubles: 4 titles

   - Mixed Doubles: 8 titles


C. **French Open (Roland Garros)**: She won 1 French Open title:

   - Women's Doubles: 1 title


D. **Australian Open**: Billie Jean King did not win any singles titles at the Australian Open during her career. However, she did win doubles titles there.


These accomplishments highlight her versatility as a player, with success in both singles and doubles events at major tournaments.


2. **"Battle of the Sexes"**: In 1973, Billie Jean King faced off against former men's champion Bobby Riggs in a highly publicized tennis match known as the "Battle of the Sexes." She defeated Riggs in straight sets, which became a landmark moment in the fight for gender equality in sports.


3. **Advocacy for Gender Equality**: Billie Jean King has been a tireless advocate for gender equality in sports. She was instrumental in the formation of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and helped secure equal prize money for women in major tennis tournaments.


4. **Founding the Women's Sports Foundation**: King co-founded the Women's Sports Foundation in 1974, an organization dedicated to promoting gender equity in sports and providing opportunities for female athletes.


5. **Presidential Medal of Freedom**: In 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, for her contributions to sports and gender equality.


6. **International Tennis Hall of Fame**: Billie Jean King was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987 in recognition of her outstanding career and her impact on the sport.


7. **Legacy**: Billie Jean King's legacy extends beyond tennis. Her activism and advocacy have inspired generations of athletes, both male and female, to fight for equal opportunities and recognition in sports.


Overall, Billie Jean King's achievements both on and off the tennis court have made her a trailblazer and an icon in the world of sports and gender equality.


Below please watch Billie Jean King's best moments at the US Open 

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