Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King is an American tennis player and champion for equality. She was born in Long Beach, California, in 1943. She won 39 Grand Slam titles. She fought for equal prize money for women in tennis.

Early Life

King started playing tennis at age 11. She was a natural athlete who loved competition. She became one of the top players in the world as a teenager. She noticed that women players were paid much less than men.

Big Achievements

King won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and 39 Grand Slam titles overall. In 1973, she beat Bobby Riggs in the famous Battle of the Sexes match watched by 90 million people. She helped create the Women's Tennis Association. She fought to make sure women athletes were treated fairly.

Fun Facts

• About 90 million people watched the Battle of the Sexes match on TV.
• She founded the Women's Sports Foundation.
• She was one of the first professional athletes to come out publicly.

Did You Know?

King threatened to boycott the U.S. Open unless women received equal prize money. In 1973, the U.S. Open became the first major tournament to offer equal pay. Her fight helped all women in sports.