Magic Johnson is not someone whose interests are confined to his former sport of basketball. From acquiring an ownership stake in an NFL team to cheering on Coco Gauff’s recent accomplishment, Johnson keeps his attention focused on all of the latest happenings around the world of athletics.

As the world of tennis marked 50 years since a landmark game, the Los Angeles Lakers legend took to social media to remind his followers of the same.

Magic Johnson commemorates Billie Jean King’s momentous win

A few hours ago, Magic Johnson took to his official Instagram account to put out a story. He highlighted a decades old photograph of a young Billie Jean King sitting on a throne-like chair. Commemorating 50 years since the iconic “Battle of the Sexes”, the Lakers star highlighted the impact that Billie Jean went on to create for “women’s rights and equality” around the world.

“Today, women tennis players are the highest paid of any sport all thanks to Billie Jean,” wrote Johnson.

While Johnson also remarked that the work for women’s rights is far from over, the 20 of September is a day that needs to be celebrated for its greatness. 50 years ago, King defeated men’s tennis legend Bobby Riggs in three straight sets.

The iconic feat drew attention to the disparity in women’s tennis and helped the athletes receive more recognition. She paved the way for tennis stars like Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams. Despite the fact that she is just 25 years old, Osaka’s dominance on the tennis court helped her to win tournaments and generate various endorsement offers.

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This led to Osaka becoming the highest paid female athlete in 2020, earning almost $37.4 million in a single year.

Serena Williams, on the other hand, became the highest paid women athlete in 2016, earning over $29 million. The following year saw Williams becoming the only woman on the 100 highest paid athletes list published by Forbes.

What happened during the iconic ‘Battle Of the Sexes’?

The ‘Battle of the Sexes’  took place on the 20 of September, 1973.

The game kicked off in Riggs’ favor, leading the game by a score of 3-2. Remembering that same moment, King once stated in a 2015 interview that the 3-2 score was what convinced her that it was a do-or-die situation.

King proceeded to win three back-to-back sets by a score of 6-4, 6-3 and 6-3.

Her victory paved the way for tournaments to start paying the same amount of money to both men and women. Riggs wasn’t happy with this decision. He was once heard making a remark about the same. “She’s a women’s libber, and I’m playing to prove the man is king. … These women say they want to earn the same as us, and that’s ridiculous.”

People may look at his half-century old event in different ways. There is no denying the fact, however, that King’s efforts paved the way for women’s rights in a momentous manner. NBA legend Magic Johnson certainly agrees.

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