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, a former world No. 1 American tennis player, achieved remarkable success with 39 Grand Slam titles, comprising 12 singles, 16 women's doubles, and 11 mixed doubles victories. She significantly contributed to the United States' triumphs in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups, solidifying her legacy as a dominant force in women's tennis.

Sections (7)

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

1963: Wimbledon Final Loss to Margaret Court

In 1963, Billie Jean King faced Margaret Court in the Wimbledon final but was defeated, marking a significant match in their rivalry.

1965: First Year Without a Grand Slam Since 1965

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

1965: Loss to Margaret Court in U.S. Championships

In 1965, Billie Jean King lost in the final of the U.S. Championships to Margaret Court despite leading in both sets. The United States Lawn Tennis Association overruled their ranking committee's recommendation to award her the sole U.S. No. 1 position and ranked 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) for its "shamateurism", arguing that the practice of paying top players under the table was corrupt and elitist.

1968: King Wins Australian Championships and Knee Surgery

In early 1968, Billie Jean King won three consecutive tournaments in Australia, including the Australian Championships for the first time. She continued her winning streak in the United States and Europe. At the US Open, she was upset in the final. On September 24, 1968, King underwent surgery to repair cartilage in her left knee, sidelining her for the rest of the year.

1969: King's Performance in 1969

In 1969, Billie Jean King participated in the Australian summer tour but did not win a tournament. She reached the final of the Australian Open, losing to Margaret Court. She won tournaments in South Africa and the United States. At Wimbledon, she lost in the final to Ann Haydon-Jones. King finished the year with titles at the Pacific Southwest Open, the Stockholm Indoors, and the Midland Pro.

September 1970: King's Activism and the Virginia Slims Invitational

In September 1970, Billie Jean King, along with eight other women, boycotted the Pacific Southwest Open due to the significant disparity in prize money between men and women. The top prize for men was $12,500, while for women it was only $1,500, with women not receiving expense coverage unless they made the quarterfinals. They organized the women-only Houston Virginia Slims Invitational, launching a series of women-only tournaments.

1971: Abortion Made Public

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

1971: Court misses significant portion of the year

In 1971, Margaret Court missed a significant portion of the tennis season due to childbirth.

1972: US Open Disparity in Prize Money

In 1972, Billie Jean King won the US Open but received US$15,000 less than the men's champion, highlighting the inequalities in prize money at the time.

1972: Court misses significant portion of the year

In 1972, Margaret Court missed a significant portion of the tennis season due to childbirth.

1973: Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, Billie Jean King, at the age of 29, famously won the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match against 55-year-old Bobby Riggs. This event significantly contributed to her advocacy for gender equality. In 1973, she was also the founder of the Women's Tennis Association and the Women's Sports Foundation.

1973: Margaret Court's Dominance and King's Inconsistency

In 1973, Margaret Court won three Grand Slam singles titles, establishing herself as the world No. 1. Billie Jean King began the year inconsistently, missing tournaments due to a wrist injury, but later defeating Court in the semi-finals of the Virginia Slims of Indianapolis tournament, ending Court's winning streaks.

November 1976: Knee Surgery

In November 1976, Billie Jean King underwent right knee surgery to repair an injury. She spent the first three months of the following year in rehabilitation.

1976: Limited Singles Play and Knee Surgery

In 1976, Billie Jean King primarily focused on doubles and mixed doubles events, partnering with Phil Dent to win the mixed doubles title at the US Open. She underwent knee surgery for the third time on November 9 and did not play for the rest of the year.

1977: Wimbledon Quarterfinal Loss to Evert

In 1977, at Wimbledon, Billie Jean King lost to Chris Evert in the quarterfinals, marking the first time she lost to Evert at a Grand Slam singles tournament and the first time at Wimbledon that King did not reach a final. This was the first time since 1961 that King did not reach a final at Wimbledon.

December 1978: Foot Surgery

In December 1978, Billie Jean King underwent major surgery on her left foot to attempt a return to the tennis tour.

1979: Limited Play Due to Surgery

During the first half of 1979, Billie Jean King only participated in one event, doubles in the Federation Cup tie against Spain, due to her foot surgery in December 1978.

1979: Barnett Asked to Leave the Kings' House

In 1979, the Kings asked Marilyn Barnett to leave their house, but she refused and threatened to leak records and receipts.

1980: King Competes at Wimbledon Without Reaching Final

In 1980, Billie Jean King competed at Wimbledon but did not reach a final, breaking her streak of reaching a final every year since 1961.

1980: French Open Appearance and Quarterfinal Loss

In 1980, Billie Jean King played in the French Open for the first time since winning it in 1972. She was seeded second but lost in the quarterfinals to Dianne Fromholtz Balestrat.

May 1981: Palimony Lawsuit by Barnett

In May 1981, Marilyn Barnett sued the Kings for half their income and the Malibu house after a suicide attempt, leading Billie Jean King to publicly acknowledge the relationship.

December 1981: Court Order in Palimony Suit

In December 1981, a court order stipulated that Barnett leave the house. Barnett's threats to publish private correspondence between her and King in exchange for money was considered extortion.

November 1982: Palimony Suit Dismissed

In November 1982, Barnett's palimony suit against King was thrown out of court.

1982: King Competes at Wimbledon Without Reaching Final

In 1982, Billie Jean King competed at Wimbledon but did not reach a final, marking one of the few times in her career where she didn't reach at least the semi-finals in an event.