Billie Jean King has been a trailblazer in sports and public life for five decades. But the five-time Wimbledon singles champ and winner of 12 single Grand Slams has no plans to let up.
Just a few weeks ahead of 2021s installment of the French Open, a tournament which King has won four timesonce in singles and three more in doublesKing is actively talking up women in sports.
Women are very powerful, King said. And I think its important to change the hearts and minds of people, to get people to believe in each other, and do things to make the world a better place.
Back in 1970, King was one of nine players called The Original 9 that broke away from the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association (later the USTA) to form the all-womens Virginia Slims Circuit, which later became the basis for the Womens Tennis Association and WTA Tour. In doing so, King, Gladys Heldman, Rosie Casals and other top players at the time, set out to pursue more control for women as well as equal pay. But what seemed like a whirlwind era in which social change came easy, was anything but, according to King.
I love history. Yet when you read about it, its quick. But when youre living in the middle of it, its slow. So slow.
One additional catalyst of the change, King says, is that more of the companies and brands that sponsor sports have entirely changed their paradigm. Brands that used to bring on athletes only to pitch products now promote the whole athletetheir athletic achievements, personal causes and all. And its the reason Billie Jean King said that she joined spirit brand Johnnie Walker and its ongoing efforts with other female athletes like soccer legend Mia Hamm to talk up women in sports and promote change.
In December 2020, Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker and the ERA Coalition ran a letter in major newspapers including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal about 2020 as a year of firsts and the "First Women" campaign. King, Lucy Liu, Katie Couric and other female trailblazers signed the letter, while announcing their intention to work with startup incubator iFundWomen on projects advancing equality.
I loved the name Jane Walker, and I think firsts are really important, King said. The 77-year-old International Hall of Famer also points to the election of a new Vice President of the United States, as another landmark achievement for women.
Whenever you're the first in something important for women, like with Kamala Harris as vice president, your gut reaction is I hope Im not the last. Every time you get the first of something, King said, its the beginning of something and not the end.
When I spoke with Billie Jean King by phone in late April, the tennis icon said that her aim as an athlete and activist was never just about gaining public recognition. Instead, she says shes been committed to bringing people together, and sparking change for the better.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Andy Frye: You first won Wimbledon in 1966 and played into the 1980s. Thats a long career for most athletes. But you accomplished much more than Grand Slams.
Billie Jean King: Its not just about me, but all of usThe Original 9who are first group ever to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. All nine of us were so critical to signing our one-dollar contracts to break off (and form the Virginia Slims Circuit).
Its relevant today, because every time a woman player gets a checkwhether its a WTA event or a majorthe reason they are getting what they do is because of what we did in 1970, when we were willing to give up our careers to fight for equal pay. So, every time we see a woman get a check for $3- or $4 million, or stand up there and speak up for people of color or Black Lives Matter, we love it. Women would not be getting equal prize money without that happening in 1970 and beyond.
Thats why history is so important. The more you know about history, the more you know about yourself. But most importantly, the younger ones can shape the future.
But long before that, it was difficult for women to pursue athletics, especially before Title IX. Ive had a great life, Im not complaining, but I was working two jobs while going to college. Whereas, Arthur Ashe had a full scholarship at UCLA, and over at Cal State, I had to pay. Women didnt get athletic scholarships until Title IX, and what was important to all of us at the forefront was to make sure that women could play, they could work and earn a living.
AF: Brands and sponsors used to shy away from outspoken athletes, but now embrace athletes like Megan Rapinoe and Naomi Osaka. How has that changed?
King: Ive had the privilege of talking to Megan Rapinoe a little bit. The first time was a long time ago, and she was very shy when we spoke. You would not recognize her. (Laughs.) At least back then. But I always encourage players of all genders to be empowered, to go forward, to do something beyond themselves. Be a champion on and off the court or field. And take on leadership to help others make the world a better place.
Early on I was told that if I brought up anything regarding questioning my sexuality, that there would not be a (womens tennis) tour. We dont have to worry about that anymore.
Related: Naomi Osaka says athletes should work hard for equality
The difference now is that companies are behind it now, behind change, and they too are a platform. Companies and brands are there for change, and its good change. Its inclusive. Its got diversity. Its about equality, equity in pay and treating people fairly. All those things that matter. Its completely changed and upside down from what it used to be.
AF: You were advised during the formation of the WTA not to reveal your sexuality. Today, America and sports are in a different place. Or are we?
King: I was outed (in 1981, eight years after WTA was founded) at the end of my career I had a number of endorsements lined up, a lot of lifetime deals. Those all went away in 24 hours. I wouldnt want anyone to go what I went through, because it was horrible. And I did have to play a few more years to help pay off the lawyers.
But its pretty exciting now to see athletes get to be their authentic selves. Thats what you want for everyone, and (athletes) have proved that when you can be your authentic self, you do a better job. But youre right about the way it was. I lost all my endorsements overnight when I was outed. I would be celebrated today. Thats the difference.
VIDEO: Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs, Battle of the Sexes in under 3 minutes
AF: Some sports institutions have achieved equal pay for women, while others like U.S. Soccer have not. In your experience, how do we remedy that?
King: Well, I hope that Megan Rapinoe and all of the women involved with U.S. Soccer can get change to happen for equal pay. (Editors note: Englands FA pays men and women equally.) But, whenever you fight for change, you cant just fight for your team. If its just your team or your country, youre talking about change for about 23 to 25 people, in most cases.
Related: Sloane Stephens says you win or you learn, but you never lose
But media is important too. When I was playing, I remember that Howard Coselland I got along with Howard, I liked him a lotbut he would never talk about my achievements, only my looks. As a professional athlete, that was infuriating. In contrast, when he interviewed Muhammad Ali, he helped Ali a lot. I adored Ali, and I think through his relationship with Howard, Ali became accepted much more quickly. But traditional media is vital, because it helped tell our story. Without that, we would have been nowhere.
Today, a lot of people focus on their own social media and themselves individually. Social mediayou can be your own author. Thats positive, but women also need to push upon mainstream media, and use it to speak their voice on important issues they care about.
AF: The Battle of the Sexes between you and Bobby Riggs was historic, but promoted as entertainment. Did you think the match would have such a serious outcome?
King: No, I knew it was going to be serious. I knew it was about social change, and I knew that even before I said yes to it. I knew it would touch the hearts and minds of people, and change peoples mindsets, and what they thought about equality and their own agendas.
Just a year before America got Title IX, and I thought that if I lost (to Riggs), I would set all that back. I wanted very badly to beat him.
People still come up to me to this day. And for 10 years after that match, women would come up and tell me that me winning that match gave them more confidence as women. More confidence to ask for what they want and need. And its the men who come up with tears in their eyes and tell me it was important because they have a daughter or a granddaughter.
But, I also knew it would bring people together. We had 90 million people watching, and I knew it was an important opportunity to change the way people saw women and what we could accomplish.
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Read Fryes interview stories with Mia Hamm, Megan Rapinoe and Naomi Osaka.
