Billie Jean King (b.1943,) born Billie Jean Moffitt, is an American tennis player. One of the most successful women’s tennis players of all time, King won many championships during a playing career that spanned more than two decades. She also played a prominent role in working for the improvement of remuneration and playing conditions for women in professional tennis.
Born in Long Beach, California, King won a record twenty Wimbledon titles, including six singles titles (1966–68, 1972–73, 1975,) ten doubles titles, and four mixed doubles titles. She won the U.S. Open four times (1967, 1971–72, 1974.)
King retired from competitive tennis in 1984 and later that year became the first woman commissioner in professional sports in her position with the World Team Tennis League. She played a foremost part in improving the status and prize money for women’s professional tennis following the introduction of open tournaments in the late 1960s.
King’s writings include Tennis to Win (1970,) Billie Jean (1974,) Secrets of Winning Tennis (1975,) and The Autobiography of Billie Jean King (1982.) The feature film Battle of the Sexes (2017) immortalizes her 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win over 1939 Wimbledon champion Bobby Riggs—this 1973 exhibition match was a milestone in public acceptance of women’s tennis.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Billie Jean King
Champions take responsibility. When the ball is coming over the net, you can be sure I want the ball.
—Billie Jean King
Topics: Responsibility, Self-reliance
I think self-awareness is probably the most important thing towards being a champion.
—Billie Jean King
Topics: Awareness
Champions keep playing until they get it right.
—Billie Jean King
Topics: Persistence, Perseverance
Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquility.
—Billie Jean King
Be bold. If you’re going to make an error, make a doozy, and don’t be afraid to hit the ball.
—Billie Jean King
Topics: Courage, Risk
A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.
—Billie Jean King
Topics: Anxiety, Fear
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