Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean Kingis an American former World No. 1 professional tennis player. King won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles, 16 women's doubles, and 11 mixed doubles titles. King won the singles title at the inaugural WTA Tour Championships. King often represented the United States in the Federation Cup and the Wightman Cup. She was a member of the victorious United States team in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. For three years, King was the United States'...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth22 November 1943
CityLong Beach, CA
CountryUnited States of America
In 1973, a woman could not get a credit card without her husband or father or a male signing off on it.
Women's sports is still in its infancy. The beginning of women's sports in the United States started in 1972, with the passage of Title 9 for girls to finally get athletic scholarships.
I was always in the tennis business-from 1968. I was in tournaments and also on World Team Tennis teams as well.
I love to promote our sport. I love grass-roots tennis. I love coaching. I love all parts of the sport. I love the business side.
When I was outed, it was like, That's done.
Any therapist will tell you that when you're ready, you will come out. To be outed means you weren't ready.
I didn't really care if I had a coach that much, me personally, because I was brought up to think for myself.
I always wanted to help make tennis a team sport.
Don't be afraid to hit the ball.
Champions take responsibility. When the ball is coming over the net, you can be sure I want the ball.
A girl didn't get an athletic scholarship until the fall of 1972 for the very first time.
I knew after my first lesson what I wanted to do with my life.
I used to be told if I talked about my sexuality in any way that we wouldn't have a tennis tour.
If your partner wants to be private, you have to respect that.