Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King is a champion of myriad meanings. She has challenged herself personally and professionally over the decades. King defeated Bobby Riggs in the 1973 Battle of the Sexes; Earned 39 Grand Slam tennis titles; Founded the Women’s Tennis Association, Women’s Sports Foundation, Women’s Sports Magazine and Co-founded World Team Tennis. King was named one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by Life Magazine and ranks No. 5 on Sports Illustrated’s “Top 40 Athletes” list.
When the home of the U.S. Open was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2006, Billie Jean wanted her name to continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change. With environmental issues on her mind and in the news, the GreenSlam initiative was born one year later. Throughout her legendary career Billie Jean King has been fighting for what she believes in. King is rallying the support of athletes, sporting good manufacturers, promoters and fans alike to do their part in preserving our planet for generations to come!
