Challenges Faced by Billie Jean King: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Billie Jean King faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Billie Jean King is a celebrated American former world No. 1 tennis player. Her illustrious career boasts 39 Grand Slam titles, comprising 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. Beyond her individual achievements, King contributed significantly to team success, representing the United States on seven victorious Federation Cup teams and nine Wightman Cup teams. She's also a champion for gender equality in sports and society.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1959: Thirteen unsuccessful attempts to win Grand Slam

From 1959 through 1965, Billie Jean King had thirteen unsuccessful attempts to win a Grand Slam singles title.

1959: Grand Slam Debut

In 1959, Billie Jean King made her Grand Slam debut at the U.S. Championships at the age of 15 and lost in the first round. Her national tennis ranking was number 19 this year.

1963: Wimbledon Final Loss

In 1963, Billie Jean King faced Margaret Court in the Wimbledon final but lost.

1965: First time King did not win a Grand Slam

1969 was the first year since 1965 that Billie Jean King did not win at least one Grand Slam singles title.

1965: Thirteen unsuccessful attempts to win Grand Slam

From 1959 through 1965, Billie Jean King had thirteen unsuccessful attempts to win a Grand Slam singles title.

1965: Loses US No. 1 Position

In 1965, Billie Jean King continued her tour of Australia. Later that year, at Wimbledon, she lost in the semi-finals to Maria Bueno. At the U.S. Championships, she lost to Margaret Court in the final. The United States Lawn Tennis Association overruled its ranking committee's recommendation and voted to rank Nancy Richey Gunter and King as co-U.S. No. 1.

1967: Criticism of USLTA

In 1967, Billie Jean King criticized the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA), denouncing the practice of "shamateurism" where top players were paid under the table. She argued that this was corrupt and elitist.

1968: King's Tournament Wins and Knee Surgery in 1968

In early 1968, Billie Jean King secured three consecutive tournament victories in Australia, winning the Western Australia Championships, the Tasmanian Championships, and the Australian Championships. She later underwent knee surgery in September of 1968 to repair cartilage, causing her to miss the remainder of the year's tournaments.

September 1970: Pacific Southwest Open Prize Discrepancy and Houston Virginia Slims invitational

In September 1970, due to the significant prize money discrepancy between men and women at the Pacific Southwest Open, where men's top prize was $12,500 compared to women's $1,500 and unequal expense coverage, Billie Jean King and eight other women boycotted the tournament. This led to them organizing the women-only Houston Virginia Slims Invitational, which helped launch a series of women-only tournaments.

1970: King anticipates a better year

During the Pacific Southwest Open in 1969, Billie Jean King expressed optimism for 1970, stating she felt like a kid again and expected a big year due to renewed motivation, despite a challenging year with tennis elbow.

1971: Abortion Made Public

In 1971, King had an abortion that was made public in a Ms. magazine article after Larry revealed it without her consent.

1971: Margaret Court missed significant portions of the season

In 1971, Margaret Court missed significant portions of the season due to childbirth.

1972: Inequality at US Open

In 1972, Billie Jean King won the US Open but received US$15,000 less than the men's champion Ilie Năstase, prompting her to advocate for equal prize money.

1972: King's Grand Slam Wins and Australian Open Absence in 1972

In 1972, Billie Jean King won three Grand Slam singles titles, but chose not to play the Australian Open due to its minor-league status at the time and her commitment to the Virginia Slims winter tournaments.

1972: Margaret Court missed significant portions of the season

In 1972, Margaret Court missed significant portions of the season due to childbirth.

1972: King admits abortion caused retirement.

In early 1972, Billie Jean King admitted that cramps associated with an abortion caused her to retire from a match with Chris Evert in St. Petersburg after splitting the first two sets.

1973: Margaret Court's season

In 1973, Margaret Court dominated women's tennis, winning three Grand Slam singles titles and securing the world No. 1 ranking. Billie Jean King started inconsistently due to a wrist injury.

1973: Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, at the age of 29, Billie Jean King won the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match against 55-year-old Bobby Riggs. She was also the founder of the Women's Tennis Association and the Women's Sports Foundation, and was instrumental in persuading Virginia Slims to sponsor women's tennis.

November 1976: King undergoes knee surgery

In November 1976, Billie Jean King had knee surgery for the third time on her right knee.

1976: King's doubles play and knee surgery

In 1976, Billie Jean King primarily played doubles and mixed doubles, partnering with Phil Dent to win the mixed doubles title at the US Open. She later had her third knee surgery in November.

March 1977: King's controversial decision

In March 1977, Billie Jean King requested a wild card entry to the Virginia Slims Championships, and later decided to play the Lionel Cup tournament, drawing criticism for the tournament's inclusion of Renée Richards. King eventually won the tournament.

1977: King's performance at Wimbledon 1977

In 1977, Billie Jean King played Maria Bueno for the last time at Wimbledon, where she lost to Chris Evert in the quarterfinals. It was the first time King had competed at Wimbledon without reaching a final since 1961.

1978: King's doubles success and foot surgery

In 1978, Billie Jean King teamed with Martina Navratilova to win the women's doubles title at the US Open and was undefeated in Federation Cup doubles matches. She underwent foot surgery in December.

1979: King's Limited Play Due to Surgery

In 1979, Billie Jean King played only one event, doubles in the Federation Cup, due to surgery on her left foot in December 1978.

1980: King at Wimbledon

In 1980, Billie Jean King competed at Wimbledon, not reaching the final.

May 1981: Palimony Lawsuit

In May 1981, Marilyn Barnett, King's former secretary, filed a palimony lawsuit against Billie Jean and Larry King, seeking half of their income and the Malibu house she had been staying in. This lawsuit followed a suicide attempt by Barnett. Billie Jean acknowledged the relationship with Marilyn shortly afterward, becoming the first prominent female professional athlete to come out.

December 1981: Court Order Regarding Palimony Suit

In December 1981, a court order stipulated that Barnett leave the house due to her palimony suit against King. Barnett's threats to publish private correspondence in exchange for money were considered close to extortion.

1981: King wins Grand Slam title

In 1981, Billie Jean King teamed with Martina Navratilova to win her 39th and final Grand Slam title at the US Open. Navratilova then decided she wanted a new doubles partner, leading to a confrontation with King.