How Billie Jean King Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Billie Jean King across different fields.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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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.

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.

June 16, 2017: Northwestern University Commencement Address

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

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.

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.