‘Sport Is Politics’ – Billie Jean King Urges Players to Get More Actively Involved in Affairs Outside Tennis

Billie Jean King, the founder of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), attended the finale of the French Open. It was thrilling for her to see two young talents play with grit and determination to clinch the trophy. Also, King appreciated the energy and skills, both Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, displayed during the match.

Further, she addressed the matter that is causing an uproar in the tennis world. Amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict, people often accuse the insensitivity of the tennis fraternity, especially Ukrainian tennis players and fans. Therefore, King spoke about how important it is that players take their stand in order to dissolve such situations.

Billie Jean King weighs in on players’ involvement in political matters

After watching the match, King was asked whether it is right for players to speak about political matters and would she like it if players became more vocal about such things? To which she replied, “Do I like that? Of course I like that.”

“I always want every generation, both men and women, to step up, because sports is politics. Politics is sport. So anybody who doesn’t think so, I don’t agree with them. Everything is your audience when you go out to play,” she added.

Read more: ‘We Will Stay Second-Class Citizens’- Legendary Billie Jean King Slams French Open Director Over Her Discouraging Comments on Women’s Matches

Further speaking of Swiatek and Gauff, they also showed active participation in such matters and never shy away from sharing their thoughts. Swiatek has always been a vocal supporter of ending the conflict in Ukraine. And Gauff has put her energy in aiding the Black Lives Matter movement and gun law reform in the US.

King’s achievements

King has been vocal about a lot of things. She has fought for equality in the sport back in her days while also supporting Venus Williams’ fight for awarding equal prize money for both men and women at Wimbledon.

Billie Jean King became an irreplaceable asset to tennis during her professional career, and as such, her words hold a certain value. She secured 39 major titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles and 11 in mixed doubles.

Watch this story: Serena Williams versus Colin Kaepernick—net worth comparison

On the basis of hers and other major women player’s achievements, she professed the formation of the WTA. It was a moment etched in the sport’s history.