The debate of G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) in tennis is never-ending. While people debate for G.O.A.T among ‘The Big 3’ in WTA or ATP, tennis has had a record that has never surpassed. Sure, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic are all the greatest players we have ever witnessed. But there is a player whose record passed the test of time and stood like a rock for 50 long years. It is none other than the American tennis legend, Billie Jean King. G.O.A.T.s come and go, but King will always be considered a revolutionary in tennis.
The official account of Wimbledon Championships has released a video of Billie Jean King and her tremendous contribution while showcasing her breathtaking talent to the world of tennis.
No matter who the G.O.A.T is, they all fall short before the ‘King’
Novak Djokovic was declared G.O.A.T after his 23rd Slam win. Federer is called the G.O.A.T for his Wimbledon record and artistic play. Serena Williams is hailed as a G.O.A.T given her Grand Slams and impeccable comeback after pregnancy. Likewise, Rafael Nadal is also referred to as a G.O.A.T for claiming 22 Slams. However, such impressive records looks like child’s play when compared with a record that has stood the test of time.
Billie Jean King won 20 Wimbledon titles during her career, a record she shares with Martina Navratilova. The Wimbledon page reported, “..King is the only player, male or female, to win a Triple Crown at The Championships during the Open era. Winning a Triple Crown means winning all 3 titles at the same Grand Slam – Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.”
The year 1973 witnessed this unprecedented feat by King who was twenty-nine years old. She beat Chris Evert in the Wimbledon singles final, claimed the doubles title with Rosie Casals, and conquered the mixed doubles with Owen Davidson, all in the same year. The 79-year-old is the only player, male or female, to have a ‘Triple Crown’ etched to her name. This is not all.
Billie Jean King, the only player to defy gender norms by playing against a former ATP No. 1
Bobby Riggs challenged King to play against an ATP player to prove her worth after winning her ‘Triple Crown.’ King, true to her name, accepted the challenge and defeated Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. That day, she smashed the patriarchal mindset of the tennis world and fought for equal pay for women as men.
The match was famously referred to as ‘The Battle of Sexes’ that changed the world’s view of women in sports. King created the path that players now create records on. G.O.A.T is an understatement for the player who turned the sports world upside down with her game, thoughts, and principles.
Billie Jean King continues to fight for gender equity, social justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Wimbledon regarded her as one of the greatest players on and off the court.
When you think of the G.O.A.T. debate next time, remember the debate would not even exist if King hadn’t metamorphosed the game from its roots.
