On September 20, 1973, the world witnessed a historic confrontation between two tennis champions, marking a pivotal moment in the quest for gender equality in sports. The match, famously dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes,” featured trailblazing female tennis star Billie Jean King facing off against former men’s champion Bobby Riggs. This showdown was not merely a sporting event; it symbolized the growing movement for women’s rights and equality in athletics. Held at the bustling Houston Astrodome, the match attracted an audience of over 30,000 spectators, while millions more tuned in from their homes, making it one of the most-watched televised sports events in history.
Billie Jean King, at the age of 29, dominated women’s tennis during that era. In the year leading up to the match, she secured victories at prestigious tournaments, including the French Open, the U.S. Open, and Wimbledon. King’s achievements extended beyond her athletic prowess; she was an advocate for women’s rights and used her platform to push for equitable treatment in a male-dominated sports industry. Regarding the significance of the match, King later remarked, “Not one day has passed that someone has not asked me about that match.” This reflection underlines the long-lasting impact the event had on both the sports world and society.
On the other side of the court was Bobby Riggs, who, at 55, was a former tennis champion turned self-proclaimed male chauvinist. Riggs was well-known for his controversial views on women and sports. He had enjoyed a storied tennis career, winning Wimbledon as a 21-year-old in 1939 and holding the number-one ranking in both 1946 and 1947. However, his remarks about female athletes and their abilities only served to amplify the stakes of the match. Prior to the competition, Riggs had become a provocateur, stoking the flames of gender rivalry, and even presented King with a giant lollipop adorned with the phrase “Sugar Daddy.”
Despite the overt pageantry and theatricality with which the match was branded—King made a grand entrance on a gold litter, reminiscent of Cleopatra, while Riggs arrived in a rickshaw pulled by female models—the event had far-reaching implications. The match took place just a year after the passage of Title IX, a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate gender discrimination in educational programs, including athletics. King understood the broader social ramifications of her performance; she stated emphatically, “It was about social change, much more than about tennis.” Her victory was seen not just as a personal triumph but as a defining moment for women’s status in sports.
The match concluded with a decisive win for King, who triumphed against Riggs in straight sets, with scores of 6-4, 6-3, and 6-3. This victory was not just significant in terms of athletic achievement—it also came with a $100,000 prize, part of the winner-take-all competition. King’s win resonated among supporters and feminists alike, amplifying her status as an icon of gender equality and equality in sports. Sportscaster Howard Cosell added to the match’s grandeur, providing commentary that highlighted its historic nature and transformative potential.
Billie Jean King’s legacy extends beyond her achievements on the tennis court. She founded the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973, championing fair treatment and opportunities for female athletes. In years to come, King also became the first woman to have a major sports venue named after her, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which is now the host site for the U.S. Open. Furthermore, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 in recognition of her contributions to sports and social justice.
In her autobiography, “All In,” published in 2021, King reflected on her aspirations from a young age, revealing, “Mom, I’m going to do something great with my life — I just know it!” Indeed, her achievements not only elevated her own career but profoundly influenced the course of women’s athletics. Today, Billie Jean King is celebrated as a trailblazer and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, and her legacy continues to inspire ongoing dialogue about equality and inclusion in sports.