The former World No. 1 and 12-time Grand Slam champion, Billie Jean King is among the many who have traveled to Indian Wells to enjoy the competition. The main purpose behind her visit is to promote her new book, ‘All In: An Autobiography’. Billie Jean King also met a few tennis players from the WTA tour, including the 2019 US Open champion, Bianca Andreescu and Ons Jabeur.
Bianca Andreescu’s run at Indian Wells ended in the third round. Anett Kontaveit defeated the former US Open winner in straight sets. On the other hand, Ons Jabeur has smoothly progressed in the fourth round of the competition, where she’ll face Anna Kalinskaya of Russia. In their respective press conferences, both the players opened up about meeting the legend, Billie Jean King.
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Ons Jabeur on Billie Jean King
Ons Jabeur is having a remarkable season so far. She has handsomely reached the round of 16 at Indian Wells. At Indian Wells, she had the opportunity to meet Billie Jean King. In the press conference, she shared her experience of meeting the former World No. 1.
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Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 2, 2021 Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur reacts during her third round match against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
Jabeur said, “That was the first time. I’ve been waiting to meet her for a long time… She is really an inspiration and I got to talk to her and she gave me a lot of advices. I knew her before but, this year we chatted after French Open. She called me, and it was very nice to talk to her. She’s a great person, a great inspiration and I was very happy to meet her.”
Andreescu shares her experience of meeting the legend
Unfortunately, Bianca Andreescu was out of Indian Wells by Anett Kontaveit in the third round. But the Canadian had the privilege of cherishing some great moments with Billie Jean King. In the press conference, she talked about her experience.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Bianca Andreescu of Canada reacts as she plays against Maria Sakkari of Greece during her Women’s Singles round of 16 match on Day Eight of the 2021 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
She said, “It’s always an honor meeting with her and talking to her. I read some of her book already it’s super long so it’s going to take some time but so far I really really like it. I look up to her a lot so hopefully, we can get more interactions you know where we can talk and just get to know each other more and her experience on tour is very valuable.”
Clearly, both the players enjoyed their time with Billie King and gained all the wisdom they could from the legend.
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