Billie Jean King’s ex-husband will no longer get credit for her wins as Wimbledon drops 'Mrs' title

In 2022, the All England Lawn Tennis Club decided to break the old tradition and change Wimbledon’s honor roll for the Championships. The decision to remove 'Miss' and 'Mrs.' before the names of the female champions was made to match how the male champions were already listed — just by their names and without any titles, The Guardian reported. Billie Jean King, the American former world No. 1 tennis player, who was thrilled by the progressive step, didn't shy away from openly appreciating it in public. 

On May 27, she turned to X and wrote, "Terrific to see #Wimbledon making this important change." Her stand on the whole change is specifically significant because the tennis legend had her name listed as "Mrs. L.W. King" on the winners' board after her marriage to Larry King, an American attorney and real estate broker. However, the couple separated in 1987, but she continued to use her ex-husband's name, both personally and professionally. With the new change in the rules, Billie is now recorded as "B.J. King" on the women's winners' board. Notably, Wimbledon had already dropped the practice of referring to women by their titles three years ago, but the winners' board continued to reflect female champions by their honorifics. Talking about it, Alexandra Willis, the spokeswoman of Wimbledon, said, "We’ve got to move with the times. Hopefully we surprise people with the way we do that," reported News.com.au.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian professional tennis player, however, wasn't too happy with the amendment. He, in fact, said, "I thought that tradition was very unique and very special. I thought it was nice. It’s quite surprising that they’ve done that." Willis, Wimbledon's spokeswoman, justifying the decision, said, "Some of the traditions — white clothing, playing on grass — they are our greatest strengths and the things that we do. Others absolutely have to move with the times. You have to respect the wishes of the players. I suppose the challenge for us is how much you rewrite history." The historic decision received an overwhelming response all over social media. While only a few stood against the move, calling it a breach of tradition, the majority of netizens welcomed it with open arms.

For instance, @viudalegre13 wrote, "I am so excited about this! Why give any kudos on a historic plaque and accomplishment to any other person besides the one who earned it! We will always honor you throughout history. Forever grateful. #BillieJeanKing." @zformation asked, "Are they going to change the winner’s boards going forward, or change them all the way back? Hopefully, they will change all of them. I mean, who’s going to know that Mrs. Lloyd is Chris Evert? Naming and giving the husband credit for your wife’s win is ridiculous!" @smashli1228 wrote, "I can't believe it took this long!" @cymrugillian commented, "Not tennis, but I have just finished my year as Ladies’ Captain of Nefyn Golf Club (Cymru), founded in 1907 with the first Ladies’ section in 1928. I’m the first woman to ask that I be designated as ‘Ms’ on the board showing all our past captains, and I succeeded! Yay!"

You can follow Billie Jean King (@billiejeanking) on X for more sports-related content.

More on Scoop Upworthy 

Chess star Divya Deshmukh speaks up about the deep rooted misogyny in spectator sports

Every woman should ask their husband one question before taking his name, says Millennial

6-year-old blocked from playing soccer because her hair was a 'distraction'