This Is 40

As a child Billie Jean King knew she wanted to do one thing: fight for equality.And, tennis was her weapon.

It’s been 40 years since she forever altered the landscape of the sports arena, going head-to-head with Bobby Riggs in, perhaps, professional sports’ most infamous “Battle of the Sexes.”

Upon winning the match, King founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the U.S. Open became the first Grand Slam tournament to award equal prize money to men and women.

As she approaches her 70^th birthday this November 22, a new documentary, American Masters Billie Jean King chronicles the life of one of the most important female sports figures of the 20^th century.

With a collective 39 Grand Slam titles under belt, King says she doesn’t miss the court.

“I don’t miss playing competitively at all,” she tells PINK. But, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t play the occasional sideline coach.

“I want to hit the ball for the players on the court,” admits King. “Frequently I find myself in a coaching position and asking myself what I would do if I was in their position or what would I do to help them through a point.”

Being a pioneer, she understands the importance of mentors and women to look up to.

But, when players ask for her advice, she asks questions rather than giving answers. “It is important for players, young and old, to hear their own voice and learn to use their own voice.”

While she’s appeared on PBS many times, in this detailed documentary King will see the voice she encourages others to use.

“The film is very revealing and brings up so many pivotal moments in my life,” says King. “I relive some of it each time I watch the film.”

King is the first female athlete profiled in the 27-year history of the American Masters series and, “as a woman, a gay woman,” she hopes her story will inspire others to live their truth.

Comment: Who’s your favorite female barrier breaker?

BONUS PINK Link: Get to know playwright, activist and, most of all, soul survivor, Eve Ensler.

By L. Nicole Williams

“Girls got balls. They’re just a little higher up, that’s all.” Joan Jett