The Uniqueness of Billie Jean King

Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and several other tennis stars extended their wishes to Billie Jean King on her 80th birthday. King, a legendary tennis player, won a total of 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles during her illustrious career. She is celebrated not only for her sporting legacy but also for her advocacy for women’s rights in sports and beyond.

King was instrumental in fighting against the gender pay gap in sports. In 1973, she brought together over 60 women players for a meeting that led to the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Even today, she continues to champion women’s rights.

In honor of her 80th birthday, the WTA shared a video on social media featuring messages from women’s tennis players such as Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula, among others, expressing their admiration for King. King’s compatriots, Julie Heldman, Valerie Ziegenfuss, and Peaches Bartkowicz, also extended their wishes to her, highlighting her leadership and impact on women’s tennis.

Additionally, Maria Sakkari, Ons Jabeur, Madison Keys, Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Daria Kasatkina, and Judy Murray, the mother of Andy Murray, also extended their well-wishes to the tennis legend.

Following Coco Gauff’s victory at the 2023 US Open, Billie Jean King expressed that Gauff’s success is a testament to the fight for equal pay that she and other female athletes waged in the past. King praised Gauff for her commitment to social justice and expressed her desire for Gauff to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in tennis.

In conclusion, Billie Jean King’s contributions to women’s tennis and her continued advocacy for women’s rights are celebrated by numerous tennis stars on her 80th birthday.