Naomi Osaka’s Success Indebted To Original 9, Narrates Natalie Portman
Follow Us
Three-times Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka has become the highest-paid female athlete in the world. Clinching her second US Open title, she bagged around three million dollars as the prize money. In the men’s section, Dominic Thiem emerged as the champion and he too bagged the same amount of money.
Equal pay for men and women may seem normal for tennis fans, but it was not the case a few decades back. There was open discrimination between the two in terms of prize money. The ratio went as high as 12:1 in favor of the men.
In the 1970s, tennis legend Billie Jean King along with eight other tennis players put their demands on the table. It was the demand for equal pay for men and women. Although it was turned down initially, the revolt of nine women was successful in getting their demands fulfilled.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Academy Award winner Natalie Portman narrates the journey of the Original 9. She mentions the struggle they had to face 50 years back. Portman recalls the fruitful efforts of the glorious warriors who spoke up for equal pay.
“Osaka’s earnings today can be traced back 50 years to a group of women who had the courage to demand more for themselves,” she narrates.
.@NataliePortman narrates our tribute to the#Original9, the group of women led by our Founder @BillieJeanKing, who paved the way for greater equality in sport. pic.twitter.com/2pvElHJgLL
— Women's Sports Foundation (@WomensSportsFdn) October 15, 2020
The original 9 and Naomi Osaka
At the 1968 Wimbledon Championship, Rod Laver won £2,000. Contrastingly, Billie Jean King was awarded a meager £750 for her title victory. Billie and eight other female professionals, along with the publisher of World Tennis magazine, Gladys Heldman, boycotted the Pacific Southwest Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A separate tour named the Virginia Slims was organized for the 9 iron-fisted women. Their banishment from the US Lawn Tennis Association couldn’t stop their passion and demolish their objective.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival
April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT
‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence
February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST
Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance
April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Eventually, the number grew from 9 to 40. A little while later, they formed the WTA, and a segregated WTA Tour became a reality. At last, the struggle of the brave women bore fruit.
The revolution started the movement for equal pay in tennis. Because of their revolution, half a century later, we see young talents like Osaka bagging equal prize money in the tournaments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The reigning US Open 2020 champion, Naomi Osaka, even engaged in conversation with Billie Jean King following her triumph in Flushing Meadows.