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, a former world No. 1 American tennis player, is considered among the greatest of all time. She secured 39 Grand Slam titles across singles (12), women's doubles (16), and mixed doubles (11). King also contributed to the United States' victories in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is known for her advocacy of gender equality in sports and society.
1939: Alice Marble's Accomplishment
In 1939, Alice Marble was the last woman to win the singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships before Billie Jean King matched the achievement in 1967.
1970: Motivation for a New Year
Billie Jean King said during the Pacific Southwest Open, "I expect to have a real big year in 1970, though, because I really have the motivation now. I feel like a kid again."
1972: Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year
In 1972, Billie Jean King jointly won the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award with John Wooden, acknowledging her impact and accomplishments in the world of sports.
September 20, 1973: King wins Battle of the Sexes
On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" at the Houston Astrodome, in front of over 30,000 spectators and a large television audience. This match is considered a significant event in developing greater recognition and respect for women's tennis.
1973: King completes Triple Crown at Wimbledon and plays Battle of the Sexes
In 1973, Billie Jean King completed the Triple Crown at Wimbledon and also played the Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs, winning after playing matches directly before and after the event. King also won tournaments in Phoenix, Hawaii, and Tokyo at the end of 1973.
1973: King defeats Bobby Riggs in Battle of the Sexes
In 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in an exhibition match known as the Battle of the Sexes, winning $100,000.
1975: Time Person of the Year
In 1975, Billie Jean King was recognized as one of the Time Persons of the Year, highlighting her influence and significance in society.
1979: Top players pick Billie Jean King
In 1979, several top players were asked who they would pick 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. Martina Navratilova, Rosemary Casals, and Françoise Dürr all picked Billie Jean King.
1987: Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame
In 1987, Billie Jean King was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, recognizing her exceptional career and contributions to the sport.
1990: Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame
In 1990, Billie Jean King was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, honoring her as a pioneer and role model for women.
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, a tribute to her lasting legacy and contributions to 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".
2010: Fed Cup Award of Excellence
In 2010, Billie Jean King was honored with the Fed Cup Award of Excellence, celebrating her outstanding achievements and dedication to the Federation Cup competition.
December 2013: Appointment to Sochi 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 signal 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 received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her extraordinary career and impact on sports.
2020: Federation Cup Renamed Billie Jean King Cup
In 2020, the Federation Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup in her honor, recognizing her immense contributions to the sport and her role as a global icon.
2022: Awarded French Legion of Honour
In 2022, Billie Jean King was awarded the French Legion of Honour, one of France's highest honors, in recognition of her achievements and contributions.
2024: Received Congressional Gold Medal
In 2024, Billie Jean King received a Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, honoring her achievements and contributions to society.
