Billie Jean King says women should play sports to gain one advantage men have long enjoyed

For a long time, women have had to fight for their share of everything. Whether it was wearing pants, going to work, acquiring the role of a leader or superior, or even participating in sports. Businesswoman, author, and global advocate for girls and women, Melinda French Gates, spoke with former No. 1 American Tennis player, Billie Jean King, about women's empowerment. The duo unraveled different anecdotes and experiences, all of which showed how sports helped change the freedom women hold. Sharing her own experience as a female athlete, King spilled the beans on the one impactful, powerful, and life-changing gift sports has given to women, and it’s something men have always enjoyed— confidence.  

Recalling the prestigious moment King realized what her calling was, she said, “It really goes back to my epiphany at 12,” she remarked. The then-young King walked into a park where she had access to free coaching. When she picked up the racket, she immediately knew. “I found what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I want to be the number one tennis player in the world,” she mentioned. She worked hard towards her dream and achieved it, but a lot of challenges came her way. When she made it to Pro tennis, she was well aware of the inequality that prevailed. 

King particularly remembered the time she came through as a professional tennis player with her fellow female athletes. “So there are nine of us, or the original nine that signed a $1 contract with Gladys Heldman, who was the publisher of World Tennis magazine. That was the birth of women's professional tennis,” she revealed. It might seem like $1 at the time was a sham and that the women were being taken for a ride. However, with that contract, they also ignited a dream — not just in their minds but in the hearts of millions of future female tennis players to come. The woman who has bagged several trophies in her career first set her heart on three important accomplishments that came with that contract. 

“One, that any girl born in this world, if she were good enough, would have a place to compete. Two, that she'd be appreciated for her accomplishments not only her looks and three, that you'd be able to make a living in tennis, the sport we love so much,” King proudly said. It's those three achievements that she still holds dear even today. Even the years shortly after had obstacles. With discrimination prevalent, King realized that the most important thing that helped her push through and pave the way for equality was team effort. She noted how you can use your voice and opinion, but it was her team that gave way and recognized her worth.

“It takes thousands of people to move gender and values forward in a society and change,” she remarked. And that’s when the sports platform offered her something men always had — leadership. “Followers choose leaders,” and not the other way round. And she noticed how her team members often pushed her to lead. While she was initially reluctant, she eventually decided to take the front seat. “They know I care about them,” the player remarked, adding that her team was like her family. And so began her journey, not just as a female tennis player but as a person who was being seen, appreciated, and looked at for her talent and skill. 

“It's ridiculous, that's why I love sports, because the one thing sports do for girls is give them confidence,” King noted. She further explained how it teaches women to “lead and make decisions.” “And that’s one of the best things you can learn in life,” she added.  It was this whole movement of a sort that gave King confidence, and it is this same boldness she shared with the world. It transformed how they saw women. Many females would come up to her to reveal how she became an inspiration to them to be bold and fight for quality. Even former president Barack Obama was inspired by her life; it changed the way he raised his girls. To the holder of 39 Grand Slam titles, it was not just the sport but the world of opportunity that future generations received.

For King, all of her struggles were worth this win. According to UNICEF, sports imbibe qualities of confidence and leadership to overcome the impossible. Research showed that 80 per cent of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports growing up, and most credited sports for their success. Eda Erdem, a Turkish professional volleyball player, also noted, “Being in sports also means breaking gender stereotypes and discovering your full potential. When you don’t give up, you inspire others around you. You’re not alone — there are girls dreaming just like you, walking the same path.” @TammieL4545 wrote, “I was a teenager when that match happened, and it changed my life.” @dakotac180 added, “She may not have kids but she raised a lot of kids. What a badass lady.”

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