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, renowned for her exceptional achievements and advocacy. She secured 39 Grand Slam titles, distributed across singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. King also contributed significantly to team success, representing the United States in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups, consistently demonstrating her skill and competitive spirit on the global stage.

Sections (7)

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

1959: Thirteenth Wimbledon Start

Billie Jean King started trying to win Wimbledon in 1959

1963: Wimbledon Final Loss

In 1963, Billie Jean King faced Margaret Court in the Wimbledon final, where Court prevailed.

1965: Thirteenth Wimbledon Start

Billie Jean King attempted to win Wimbledon until 1965

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 success in the United States, winning three indoor tournaments. She also won her third consecutive Wimbledon singles title. However, she was upset in the US Open final and underwent knee surgery on September 24. Her doctors predicted she would only be able to play competitive tennis for two more years.

1969: King's Tournament Results and Elbow Injury

In 1969, Billie Jean King participated in the Australian summer tour but did not win a tournament. She won several tournaments in the United States and South Africa. She reached the quarterfinals of both the Italian Open and the French Open. At Wimbledon, she lost in the final to Ann Haydon-Jones. She finished the year with titles at the Pacific Southwest Open, the Stockholm Indoors, and the Midland Pro. She also revealed that she was bothered by a severe tennis elbow for seven months.

September 1970: Pacific Southwest Open and Women's Rights Advocacy

In September 1970, Billie Jean King, advocating for women's rights in sports, particularly better pay for female tennis players, boycotted the Pacific Southwest Open due to significant prize money disparities between men and women. The top prize for men was $12,500, while women only received $1,500, with expenses not covered unless they reached the quarterfinals. King and eight other women organized the women-only Houston Virginia Slims Invitational which was an act that helped launch a series of women-only tournaments.

1971: King's abortion made public

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

1972: US Open Prize Money Inequality

In 1972, Billie Jean King won the US Open but received US$15,000 less than the men's champion, Ilie Năstase. She threatened to boycott the next year if prize money was not equal.

1979: Barnett Asked to Leave

In 1979, Billie Jean and Larry King asked Marilyn Barnett to leave their house, leading to a threat to leak sensitive documents.

May 1981: Palimony Lawsuit

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

December 1981: Court Order Regarding Barnett

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: Barnett's palimony suit dismissed

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

1982: King's Comeback and Wimbledon Semi-Finals

In 1982, Billie Jean King began a comeback, winning the Edgbaston Cup in Birmingham. At Wimbledon, she reached the semi-finals, becoming the oldest female semi-finalist since 1920. She defeated Tracy Austin in the quarterfinals before losing to Chris Evert in the semi-finals. King finished 1982 ranked 14th in the world.

1983: Final Wimbledon Appearance and Semi-Finals Loss

In 1983, Billie Jean King reached the semi-finals in her final appearance at Wimbledon, losing to Andrea Jaeger. She beat Kathy Jordan in the quarterfinals, Wendy Turnbull in the fourth round, and Rosemary Casals in the third round.