‘An Icon, Legend, A Tennis Superstar’ – President Emmanuel Macron Praises Billie Jean King After Bestowing Her With France’s Highest Civilian Honor

Tennis legend and social activist Billie Jean King received France’s highest civilian honor, the Legion of Honour, on Friday. King was present in Paris for the conclusion of the ongoing French Open 2022. She is being honored for her contributions to women’s sports, gender equality, and the rights of LGBTQ people in athletics.

The 78 years old also attended a short ceremony at the presidential Elysee Palace at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Later, President Macron also posted about the same on his Twitter account.

French President praises Billie Jean King on Twitter

Taking to his Twitter account, French President Emmanuel Macron enumerated the achievements of 78 years old tennis legend. Notably, he also thanked her for fighting against social injustice with the LGBTQ community and for equality in the field of sports.

“An icon, a legend, a tennis superstar. Dear Billie Jean King, in 50 years you have revolutionized the international sport. But also equality between women and men and the rights of minorities throughout the world. The French Republic honors you on this day,” he wrote.

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Notably, the 78-year-old is one of the best-ever tennis players of all time. In her illustrious career, she won 39 Grand Slam. With 12 coming in the singles event, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.

The battle of sexes

Back in the 70s when King was a player, the situation of women’s tennis was not as good as it is today. The female tennis players had to bear a lot of criticism and mockery for not being on par with men’s tennis. In one such incident, former tennis star Bobby Riggs, who had retired by then, mocked women’s tennis and said that he can easily beat the top female players even after his retirement. Further, he challenged King for a match.

The match was played on September 20, 1973 was not just an ordinary exhibition game. The world witnessed how King took the court by storm to demolish the Riggs in three straight sets. Her victory was a landmark event in the history of women’s tennis.

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King lead the fight against gender inequality, the disparity in payments, and the rights of LGBTQ athletes. Today’s Women’s tennis owes a lot to Billie Jean King. And it was a great gesture from the Government of France to honor her.