‘Women who inspired billions’: The Original 9 who led the way for women in sports honored at the US Open
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'Original 9' honored at the US Open
Sports is about rivalry and fierce competition. We have seen innumerable athletes giving their all in order to make their nations, families, fans proud. However, that isn’t all. First and foremost, Sports is about inclusivity and the best way to eradicate prejudices.
Women, through times, have fought really hard in order to attain equal recognition in the field of sports. Although the fight is still on, in many major sports events across the globe, we are now seeing women leading the way which is truly incredible. Among the several events and steps which changed the dynamics of tennis, one hugely impacted people across the globe, and that was the contribution of the ‘Original 9’ who paved the way for the birth of women’s professional tennis.
The ‘Original 9’ honored at the US Open 2021
There was a vast difference between the prize money offered to men in comparison to women who delivered impressive performances in marquee tennis events several decades ago. In order to bridge this gap, the Original 9 signed a $1 deal with Gladys Heldman and participated in the tournament despite a warning from US Lawn Tennis Association that it will ban the players from participating in Grand Slams.
The event turned out to be a gigantic success as it paved the way for the creation of more tournaments where women could participate and earn as much as the men were earning. After more than five decades of the historic day, the inspirational women have been honored at the US Open.
The members of the ‘Original 9’ were honored with the tennis Hall of Fame rings in a special ceremony at the marquee tournament with an aim to recognize the contribution of these women and inspire the coming generations. Led by Billie Jean King, the Original 9 comprised of Kristy Pigeon, Kerry Melville Reid, Peaches Bartkowicz, Valerie Ziegenfuss, Judy Tegart Dalton, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, and Julie Heldman.
Also read: Billie Jean King urges women to not settle for less
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Shubham Bhargava
(1813 Articles Published)