“Pressure is a privilege”
-Billie Jean King
39
Grand Slam tennis titles
1 of 9
Players who broke away from the tennis establishment in 1970 to accept $1 contracts to join the virgina slims circuit, leading to the formation of women’s professional tennis
20
Career victories at Wimbledon
$15K
Less prize money than the men’s champion when she won the 1972 US Open. She successfully lobbied for equal pay in 1973, but it would take another 34 years for all 4 major tournaments to offer equal prize money.
#1
In the world in women’s tennis from 1966-68, 1971-72, & 1974
in “100”
“Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” named by LIFE Magazine
90M
Viewership of the “Battle of the Sexes” match vs. Bobby Riggs in 1973
FOUNDER
Of the Women’s Tennis Association, World TeamTennis, and Women’s Sports Foundation
1ST
Female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor
To learn more about the incredible life and impact of Billie Jean King, visit www.billiejeanking.com