History of Billie Jean King in Timeline

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

1920: Reference to Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers

In 1982, Billie Jean King became the oldest female semi-finalist at Wimbledon since Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers in 1920.

1939: Alice Marble's Feat

In 1939, Alice Marble achieved a similar feat to Billie Jean King by winning the singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships.

November 22, 1943: Billie Jean King's Birth

On November 22, 1943, Billie Jean King, née Moffitt, was born. She later became a world No. 1 tennis player.

Others born on this day/year

January 28, 1948: Birthdate of Marilyn Barnett

Marilyn Barnett, born Marilyn Kathryn McRae, Billie Jean King's secretary and with whom King had an affair, was born on January 28, 1948.

1959: Thirteenth Wimbledon Start

Billie Jean King started trying to win Wimbledon in 1959

1959: Grand Slam Debut at U.S. Championships

In 1959, Billie Jean King made her Grand Slam debut at the U.S. Championships at the age of 15, losing in the first round. She also began working with new coaches, including Frank Brennan and Alice Marble.

1959: First Grand Slam Singles Event

In 1959, Billie Jean King played in her first Grand Slam singles event.

1960: First Tournament Win

In 1960, Billie Jean King won her first tournament at the Philadelphia and District Grass Court Championships. She also reached the final of the National Girls' 18 and Under Championships and improved her national ranking to number 4.

1961: Wimbledon Women's Doubles Title

In 1961, Billie Jean King gained international recognition by winning the Wimbledon women's doubles title with Karen Hantze in her first attempt. King was 17 and Hantze was 18, making them the youngest team to win the Wimbledon Doubles Title.

1961: Graduation from High School

In 1961, Billie Jean King graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

1962: Upset Victory Over Margaret Court at Wimbledon

In 1962, Billie Jean King upset Margaret Court, the World No. 1, in the second round of the Wimbledon singles tournament. She also repeated her doubles victory with Karen Hantze at Wimbledon.

1963: Wimbledon Final Loss

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

1963: Meeting Larry King

In 1963, Billie Jean King met Larry King in a library while attending Cal State LA. They later got engaged while still in school.

1963: Federation Cup Win

In 1963, Billie Jean King was on the winning United States team in the Federation Cup.

1964: Engagement to Larry King

Billie Jean and Larry King were engaged in the autumn of 1964.

1964: Leaving College to Focus on Tennis

In 1964, Billie Jean King left Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles) to focus on her tennis career, without graduating.

1964: Full-time commitment to tennis

In 1964, Billie Jean King won four relatively minor titles, lost to Margaret Court in the Wimbledon semi-finals and committed to tennis full-time after businessman Robert Mitchell offered to pay her way to Australia to train.

September 17, 1965: Marriage to Larry King

On September 17, 1965, Billie Jean Moffitt married Larry King in Long Beach. They had become engaged while attending Los Angeles State College.

1965: King Wins No Grand Slam Titles

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

1965: Thirteenth Wimbledon Start

Billie Jean King attempted to win Wimbledon until 1965

1965: King Returns to Australian Summer Tour

In 1965, Billie Jean King had not been on the Australian Summer Tour but she returned to the tour in December 1967, playing seven events.

1965: US No. 1 Ranking Controversy

In 1965, Billie Jean King lost to Margaret Court in the U.S. Championships final, and was ranked as co-U.S. No. 1 with Nancy Richey Gunter due to a vote that overruled the ranking committee's recommendation.

1966: Start of Grand Slam Rivalry Era

From 1966, Billie Jean King and Margaret Court dominated Grand Slam singles tournaments, winning 24 of 40 tournaments held through 1975.

1966: Year-Ending World No. 1 Ranking

In 1966, Billie Jean King achieved the year-ending World No. 1 ranking, marking the start of her dominance in the sport.

1966: Federation Cup Win

In 1966, Billie Jean King was on the winning United States team in the Federation Cup.

1966: First Wimbledon Singles Title

In 1966, after thirteen unsuccessful attempts, Billie Jean King won her first Wimbledon singles title, defeating Maria Bueno in the final. She also defeated Dorothy "Dodo" Cheney and ended her losing streak against Margaret Court earlier that year.

1967: Criticism of USLTA

In 1967, Billie Jean King criticized the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) for "shamateurism", arguing that the practice of paying top players under the table was corrupt and elitist.

1967: King Defends Title and Wins U.S. Championships

In 1967, Billie Jean King successfully defended her title at the South African Tennis Championships, defeating Maria Bueno in the final. She played the French Championships for the first time, reaching the quarterfinals. She also won all four of her matches at the Federation Cup in West Germany. King secured her second consecutive Wimbledon singles title and won her first U.S. Championships title without losing a set. She achieved the rare feat of winning the singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships. In December, she returned to the Australian summer tour, experiencing both a knee injury and a victory at the Victorian Championships.

1967: Federation Cup Win

In 1967, Billie Jean King was on the winning United States team in the Federation Cup.

1968: Pre-Open Era Earnings

Before the start of the open era in 1968, Billie Jean King earned US$100 a week as a playground instructor and student when not playing in major tennis tournaments.

1968: Attraction to Women

By 1968, Billie Jean King realized that she was attracted to women.

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.

May 1969: King's Knee Recovery

In May 1969, Billie Jean King stated that it took eight months for her knee to recover completely from the surgery she had in September 1968.

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.

1970: King Anticipates a Big Year

Billie Jean King said during the Pacific Southwest Open in 1969, "I expect to have a real big year in 1970, though, because I really have the motivation now. I feel like a kid again."

1971: King's Best Year in Tournaments Won

Although Billie Jean King won only one Grand Slam singles title in 1971, this was the best year of her career in terms of tournaments won. She played in 31 singles tournaments and compiled a 112–13 win–loss record.

1971: Grand Slam Dominance Begins

From 1971, Billie Jean King began a period of dominance in Grand Slam singles tournaments, winning 7 of the 10 she played through 1975.

1971: King Earns $100,000 and Receives Congratulatory Call

In 1971, Billie Jean King became the first female tennis player to earn $100,000 a year, a milestone that earned her a congratulatory phone call from President Richard M. Nixon.

1971: Affair with Marilyn Barnett

In 1971, Billie Jean King began an affair with her secretary, Marilyn Barnett.

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.

1971: Formation of Women's Tennis Group

In 1971, Billie Jean King's husband, Larry King, created the idea to form a nine-player women's group with financial backing and sponsorship. Billie Jean King became the first woman athlete to earn over US$100,000 in prize money.

1971: King's Performance at Tournaments

In early May 1971, Billie Jean King lost a second round match at Hurlingham, United Kingdom. She then recovered to win the German Open in Hamburg. At Wimbledon, she lost in the semi-finals. Two weeks after Wimbledon, King won the Rothmans North of England Championships on grass in Hoylake, United Kingdom. She then played two clay court tournaments in Europe, winning neither, before resuming play in the United States.

1971: King Plays in New Zealand

In late 1971, Billie Jean King played in New Zealand.

1972: Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award

In 1972, Billie Jean King was the joint winner, with John Wooden, of the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award, recognizing her achievements in tennis.

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.

1972: King Wins Three Grand Slam Singles Titles

In 1972, Billie Jean King won three Grand Slam singles titles, choosing not to play the Australian Open. She stated she prioritized the Virginia Slims winter tournaments. Her dominance was aided by rival Margaret Court's absence due to childbirth.

1972: Career Grand Slam

In 1972, Billie Jean King's French Open win completed her Career Grand Slam in singles, making her only the fifth woman in tennis history to achieve this milestone.

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: First President of Women's Tennis Association

In 1973, Billie Jean King became the first president of the Women's Tennis Association.

1973: Co-founding World Team Tennis

In 1973, Billie Jean King's husband Larry co-founded World Team Tennis.

1973: Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, Billie Jean King, at the age of 29, won the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match against 55-year-old Bobby Riggs, marking a significant moment for gender equality in sports. That year, she was also the founder of the Women's Tennis Association and the Women's Sports Foundation.

1973: Equal Prize Money at US Open

In 1973, the US Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money for men and women, after Billie Jean King advocated for it.

1974: Founding of womenSports Magazine and Women's Sports Foundation

In 1974, Billie Jean King, along with her husband Larry King and Jim Jorgensen, founded womenSports magazine and started the Women's Sports Foundation. World TeamTennis also began.

1974: Beginning of WTT

In 1974, World Team Tennis began. Billie Jean King remained involved for decades, eventually sharing ownership with her ex-husband, her life partner, and USTA.

1975: Time Person of the Year

In 1975, Billie Jean King was one of the Time Persons of the Year, acknowledging her influence and impact beyond the world of sports.

1975: Year-Ending World No. 1 Ranking

In 1975, Billie Jean King was the year-ending World No. 1, continuing her dominance in the sport. She held this ranking in six of the ten years from 1966 through 1975.

1975: End of Grand Slam Rivalry Era

Through 1975, Billie Jean King and Margaret Court dominated Grand Slam singles tournaments, winning 24 of 40 tournaments held since 1966.

1975: Continued Grand Slam Success

Through 1975, Billie Jean King continued her Grand Slam success, winning 7 of the 10 tournaments she played from 1971. She won the last seven Grand Slam singles finals she contested.

1976: Federation Cup Win

In 1976, Billie Jean King was on the winning United States team in the Federation Cup.

1977: King Reveals Doctor's Prediction

In 1977, Billie Jean King revealed that her doctors predicted in 1968 that her left knee would only allow her to play competitive tennis for two more years.

1979: 1979 Wimbledon Quarterfinal loss to Tracy Austin

Billie Jean King's victory over Tracy Austin in the 1982 Wimbledon Quarterfinals reversed the result of their 1979 Wimbledon quarterfinal. Billie Jean King felt much better mentally this time around, after being tired during the same stage in 1979.

1979: Federation Cup Win

In 1979, Billie Jean King was on the winning United States team in the Federation Cup.

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.

1979: Top Players Pick King for Comeback

In 1979, several top players, including Martina Navratilova and Rosemary Casals, picked Billie Jean King as the player they would want to help them recover from a hypothetical deficit of 1–5 (15–40) in the third set of a match on Wimbledon's Centre Court, recognizing her tenacity and skill under pressure.

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: League commissioner

In 1982, Billie Jean King became the league commissioner of World TeamTennis.

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.

1982: King Claims Intentional Loss

In her 1982 autobiography, Billie Jean King claimed she intentionally lost a match in Long Beach to Françoise Dürr because of an argument with her husband.

March 1983: House Destroyed in Storms

In March 1983, the house that had been contested in court was destroyed during a series of storms that lashed the southern California coastline.

1983: Edgbaston Cup Victory and US Open Appearance

In 1983, Billie Jean King became the oldest WTA player to win a singles tournament at the Edgbaston Cup. At the US Open, she partnered in women's and mixed doubles, reaching the semi-finals in women's doubles. The final singles match of King's career was a second round loss at the 1983 Australian Open.

1983: Last Grand Slam Singles Event

In 1983, Billie Jean King played in her last Grand Slam singles event.

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.

1984: Wimbledon Mixed Doubles

In 1984, Billie Jean King and Vijay Amritraj were seeded sixth for the Wimbledon mixed doubles, but they withdrew before the tournament began.

1984: Major owner

In 1984, Billie Jean King became major owner in World TeamTennis.

1984: King's Interview

In a 1984 interview, just after she had turned 40, King said,...

1987: Marriage Ended

In 1987, Billie Jean King and Larry's marriage ended after she fell in love with her doubles partner, Ilana Kloss.

1987: Induction into International Tennis Hall of Fame

In 1987, Billie Jean King was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, recognizing her accomplishments and impact on the sport.

March 1990: Retirement from Competitive Doubles

In March 1990, Billie Jean King retired from competitive play in doubles. Her last match with Jennifer Capriati resulted in a second round loss at the Virginia Slims of Florida tournament.

1990: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1990, Billie Jean King was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, celebrating her as a pioneer for women in sports and beyond.

1996: Fed Cup Championship

In 1996, as captain of the United States Fed Cup team, Billie Jean King guided the U.S. to the Fed Cup championship and helped Lindsay Davenport, Gigi Fernández, and Mary Joe Fernández capture Olympic gold medals.

1999: Board of Directors of Philip Morris Incorporated

In 1999, Billie Jean King was elected to serve on the board of directors of Philip Morris Incorporated, which garnered criticism from anti-tobacco groups.

2002: Dismissal of Capriati from Fed Cup Team

In 2002, Billie Jean King dismissed Jennifer Capriati from the Fed Cup team for violating rules about personal coaches. This decision was met with mixed reactions.

2006: USTA National Tennis Center Renamed

In 2006, the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, honoring her legacy in tennis.

2008: Sports Museum of America

In 2008, Billie Jean King became a member of the Board of Honorary Trustees for the Sports Museum of America, which is the home of the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Center.

2008: Publication of "Pressure is a Privilege"

In 2008, Billie Jean King published the book "Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes".

Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes by Billie Jean King (July 22 2008)

Check it on Amazon

2010: Fed Cup Award of Excellence

In 2010, Billie Jean King was bestowed with the Fed Cup Award of Excellence, honoring her contributions to the Federation Cup competition.

2012: Involvement in Foundations and Council

As of 2012, Billie Jean King was involved in the Women's Sports Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and served on the President's Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

December 2013: Appointment to 2014 Winter Olympics Delegation

In December 2013, US President Barack Obama appointed Billie Jean King to represent the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia as a statement on gay rights.

February 7, 2014: Death of Betty Moffitt

On February 7, 2014, the day of the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, Billie Jean King's mother, Betty Moffitt, died.

June 16, 2017: Northwestern University Commencement Address

On June 16, 2017, Billie Jean King delivered the Northwestern University commencement address in Evanston, Illinois.

2017: Sale of WTT Ownership Stake

In 2017, Billie Jean King sold her majority ownership stake of the World Team Tennis league.

September 2018: Minority Owner of Los Angeles Dodgers

In September 2018, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss became minority owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.

October 18, 2018: King and Kloss Married

On October 18, 2018, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss were married by former New York City Mayor David Dinkins in a secret ceremony.

2018: 75th Golden Globe Awards

In 2018, Billie Jean King attended the 75th Golden Globe Awards as a guest of Emma Stone.

2018: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2018, Billie Jean King won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her career and contributions to sports.

October 2020: Part of Angel City FC Ownership Group

In October 2020, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss became part of the ownership group of Angel City FC, a Los Angeles–based team.

2020: Federation Cup Renamed Billie Jean King Cup

In 2020, the Federation Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup in her honor, acknowledging her significant contributions to the tournament and women's tennis.

March 2021: King Advisor to First Women's Bank

In March 2021, it was announced that Billie Jean King would be an advisor to First Women's Bank in Chicago.

May 2022: Partnership with Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA)

In May 2022, the Mark Walter Group and BJK Enterprises entered a partnership with the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) to create a new professional women's ice hockey league in North America.

2022: Start of Angel City FC Play

Angel City FC, a Los Angeles–based team in which Billie Jean King is an owner, is set to start play in the National Women's Soccer League in 2022.

2022: French Legion of Honour

In 2022, Billie Jean King was awarded the French Legion of Honour, recognizing her achievements and contributions to sports and society.

June 29, 2023: Purchase of Premier Hockey Federation

On June 29, 2023, the Mark Walter Group and BJK Enterprises purchased the intellectual property and other key elements of the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF).

2023: Appearance on "The Masked Singer"

In 2023, Billie Jean King competed in season ten of "The Masked Singer" as "Royal Hen" and was eliminated on "A Celebration of Elton John".

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January 1, 2024: Inaugural game of new hockey league

On January 1, 2024, the new professional women's hockey league, formed after the buyout of the PHF, began with the first game played between New York and Toronto in Toronto.

2024: Congressional Gold Medal

In 2024, Billie Jean King received a Congressional Gold Medal, a prestigious honor recognizing her lasting impact and contributions.

2024: Value of First Racket

In 2024, the equivalent value of Billie Jean King's first racket, purchased for $8 when she was 11 years old, would be $92.40, adjusted for inflation.