Billie Jean King’s relentless efforts and dedication to promoting gender equality in the world of professional tennis laid the foundation for the WTA. Her efforts have made the WTA the premier organizing body for women’s professional tennis. King’s vision started to materialize in 1970 when she, along with eight other players known as the “Original 9,” defied the tennis establishment by signing $1 contracts. It was with the promoter Gladys Heldman to participate in the Virginia Slims Invitational, an all women’s event. This bold move led to the formation of the Virginia Slims Circuit, which ultimately paved the way for the establishment of the WTA. But that didn’t reduce the misogynistic comments coming her way. It only amplified it!

The forming of the WTA did not come easy for her. She had her fair share of challenges. Recently, she recalled the hindering responses she got from men during the process in an interview.

Billie Jean King opens up about her struggling era owing to the formation of the WTA

In 1973, Billie Jean King founded the Women’s Tennis Association, bringing together various women’s professional tennis events under one umbrella organization. The WTA aimed to unite female players, promote women’s tennis, and ensure fair compensation and equal opportunities for all.

However, recently during her interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune, reported by Sky Sports, she recalled the nasty comments she had to face while in the process.

She shared, “The guys told us to get lost. I had a couple of guys say they wouldn’t pay a nickel or a dime to walk across the street and watch us play. They said, ‘Why do you think you should get paid?’ or ‘Why don’t you go home to your husband?’ That kind of stuff.”

Having to take such behavior and relentlessly fight for the rights of women in the sports industry is what makes her a legend. It’s her tireless efforts that make everyone respect her and value her in tennis. Owing to the same, Adidas Tennis recently celebrated her at the US Open with a color that made her famous.

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Adidas Tennis pays tribute to King at the US Open

Adidas Tennis has released a woman-specific Avacourt footwear in the same baby blue color which made King famous around 50 years ago. She was the first one to don it as the main color of her signature Adidas sneakers.

The color not only will be present in their footwear line but also will have touches of the same appeal in all their apparel of women’s sports. They have specifically chosen King as the poster personality to honor her. Well, no matter how big the gesture is, it will never be enough for King’s relentless efforts to open gates for women in the world of tennis.

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