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, secured 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. King's contributions extended to team victories, representing the United States in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has been a prominent figure in advocating for gender equality in sports and society.

Sections (7)

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

1939: Alice Marble's achievement

In 1967, King won the singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships, the first woman to do that since Alice Marble in 1939.

1972: Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year

In 1972, Billie Jean King was the joint winner, with John Wooden, of the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award, acknowledging her success and impact.

September 20, 1973: The Battle of the Sexes

On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" at the Houston Astrodome. The match was viewed by an estimated 50 million people in the U.S. and 90 million in 37 countries. This victory is considered a significant event in promoting respect for women's tennis.

1973: Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, at the age of 29, Billie Jean King won the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match against 55-year-old Bobby Riggs. She also founded the Women's Tennis Association and the Women's Sports Foundation and helped persuade Virginia Slims to sponsor women's tennis.

1975: Time Person of the Year

In 1975, Billie Jean King was one of the Time Persons of the Year, recognizing her influence and achievements beyond the tennis court.

1979: Top players pick King for crucial moments

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 King.

1987: Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

In 1987, Billie Jean King was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition of her contributions to the sport.

1990: Inducted into National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1990, Billie Jean King was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, honoring her contributions to women's rights and sports.

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, celebrating her impact on tennis.

2008: Sports Museum of America Opens

In 2008, King became a member of the Board of Honorary Trustees for the Sports Museum of America, which opened in 2008. The museum houses the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Center.

2008: King publishes 'Pressure is a Privilege'

In 2008, 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 the Fed Cup Award of Excellence, adding to her list of accolades for her tennis career.

December 2013: Obama appoints King to represent the U.S. at the 2014 Winter Olympics

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