In the electrifying atmosphere of a US Open trophy presentation, where the world’s finest tennis talents bask in their triumphs, a particular moment unfolded, unlike any other. While Coco Gauff laid her hands on her first-ever grand slam, the world appreciated the rise of a new phenomenon in the game. As Coco Gauff stepped to collect her trophy and a $3 million prize money, she was greeted by none other than Billie Jean King, another legend of the game.

Reflecting on the wholesome moment, the CEO of the women’s sports foundation, which was founded by King herself came ahead to shed her opinion on the same and reflected her happiness and joy in the moment. The amazing gesture by Gauff was something that stole her heart.

CEO of a charity founded by Billie Jean King reflects on her best memory of the US Open

In a recent podcast interview, Danette Leighton, the CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation founded by tennis icon Billie Jean King in 1974, shared her insights into the world of sports and gender equality. Leighton expressed her happiness when witnessing the US Open trophy presentation, where Billie Jean King stood on stage alongside young tennis sensation Coco Gauff, who received a remarkable $3 million dollars for her achievements.

However, what truly grabbed Leighton’s attention was Gauff’s act of thanking Billie Jean King during this monumental moment. Leighton said that King’s dedication to gender equality is commendable. While the foundation has made significant progress, its ultimate mission extends far beyond, to bridge the pay gap and achieve gender equity, not only in the United States but also globally.

“You know nothing makes me happier when I’m watching us open trophy presentation. And Billie’s on the stage with Coco Gauff and Coco gets a $3 million check and she leans over and Thanks Billie for it. There is a reason why Billie fought for what she fought for but that transcends sports. The intent has really been to always look at things. We’ve been able to do things through that sports lens. But it’s really meant to do things across the entire pay gap and gender equality and equity gap across everything in the United States and globally,” said Leighton in her recent podcast.

Thus, this suggests that the fight for equality is still on. The foundation that King laid back in the days is still working its magic while making sure that equality is served across sports.

Also read: Disappointed With Back-to-Back Events, 19-Year-Old Coco Gauff Reveals Longing Desire About Roger Federer Hosted Multi-Million Dollar New York Event in May

King believes Coco Gauff is the reason why they fought so hard back then

In a recent tweet, Billie Jean King went ahead to talk highly about the US Open champion Coco Gauff. King, in the tweet, went ahead and said that Coco Gauff is the reason why she fought so hard for around 50 years. The young 19-year-old player has been a source of inspiration for the whole world.

She further went ahead to claim that all of this was due to her grandmother. The fighting spirit that she showed back in her days is something that has already been there in her. Thus, Coco Gauff and Billie Jean King are two of the most influential people in sports who are working towards bringing a change in society.

Also, the incident at the prize ceremony at the US Open was nothing short of sensational with a legend of the game honoring an upcoming sensation of the game. What are your views on this? Do let us know in the comments below!

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