Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King is a renowned tennis champion and gender equality activist, famous for her 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" win over Bobby Riggs.
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Billie Jean King is an American tennis icon and advocate for gender equality in sport. She was the first female athlete to earn more than a million dollars. In 1973, she defeated Bobby Riggs in her famous match dubbed "The Battle of the Sexes." King won 39 Grand Slam titles throughout her career and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Billie Jean King Timeline
5 Interesting Facts about Billie Jean King
1.
Won 39 Grand Slam Titles
Billie Jean King won a total of 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles titles, 16 women’s doubles titles, and 11 mixed doubles titles.
2.
Founded the Women's Tennis Association
In 1973 Billie Jean King founded the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in order to promote professional women’s tennis.
3.
First Open Era Woman to Earn over $100,000 in Prize Money
In 1972 Billie Jean King became the first woman to earn more than $100,000 in prize money in a single season during the Open Era.
4.
Defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes Match
In 1973 Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the highly publicized match known as the Battle of the Sexes.
5.
First Female Athlete to be Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2009 Billie Jean King became the first female athlete to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Billie Jean King is an American former world No. 1 women's tennis player who was born on November 22, 1943, and is currently 79 years old. She is best known for her fight for equal prize money in women's tennis, winning the Battle of the Sexes against Bobby Riggs in 1973, and championing gender equality and social justice around the world.
Billie Jean King has an estimated net worth of $20M. She is a professional tennis player, author, and coach who has won numerous awards throughout her career. Her wealth comes from her tennis winnings, book sales, and various products and services she endorses or is affiliated with.