Billie Jean King’s landmark victory for pay parity in tennis celebrates 50th anniversary, remains an inspiring triumph today
King's victory served as a landmark movement in the fight for equality for women.
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Billie Jean King after winning the 'battle of the sexes' (Credit: Lifetime)
On September 20, 1973, the world witnessed a watershed moment in sports history. On this day tennis legend Billie Jean King faced self-proclaimed male chauvinist and former men’s world No. 1, Bobby Riggs, in a tennis match that has since become iconic. King’s victory served as a landmark movement in the fight for equality for women not just in sports, but everywhere.
The backstory: Riggs’ challenge and King’s response
Riggs, a former Wimbledon champion, created a name for himself not just via his sports but also through betting on his own matches. He issued a challenge to famous women’s players, including King and Margaret Court, in an attempt to profit from his fame. With a $100,000 prize on the line, Riggs declared that even at the age of 55, he could easily defeat any woman.
King initially rejected the provocation but the Court accepted it. She played Riggs in a match on May 13, 1973. She lost the match and that day came to be known as the ‘Mother’s Day massacre‘ as it was played on Mother’s day. When the gravity of the event became clear, King decided to accept the challenge. The match was called the “Battle of the Sexes” and drew worldwide notice. It was transmitted internationally and aired during prime time in the United States.
The event’s spectacle stretched beyond the tennis court, with King riding on a gold litter in the style of Cleopatra and Riggs arriving on a rickshaw driven by female models dressed in provocative clothes.
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King’s triumph and its impact
When the match began, King displayed exceptional skills and defeated Riggs in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3). The victory, however, was only the beginning. The significance of the moment was recognized by King, who utilized her platform to fight for gender equality.
The actual triumph of the was not only King’s victory over Riggs but also the message it conveyed. The US Open became the first major tennis event to provide equal prize money to both men and women in 1973.
The Australian Open was the next grand slam to offer equal prize money. Wimbledon and Roland Garros followed suit 6 years later in 2007. King’s unwavering campaign for equitable compensation paved the way for advancement in tennis.
The ongoing battle for gender equality
King keeps reminding people that as the world commemorates the 50th anniversary of the “Battle of the Sexes,” the fight for gender equality is far from ending. While great progress has been made, there is still work to be done. As of now, only the Grand Slams offer equal prize money. The other events, such as WTA 500 and 1000 tournaments see humungous pay disparity between the men and women players.
Nevertheless, Billie Jean King’s legacy goes beyond her extraordinary tennis career. She continues to advocate for equality and women’s sports, noting that the struggle is ongoing.
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Navya Mishra
(407 Articles Published)