Billie Jean King, recognized for her iconic dark hair, signature red-framed eyeglasses, and vibrant rose red blazer, made a striking entrance as she left the Tournament House on Pasadena’s Orange Grove Avenue on January 1. She took her place in the “Grand Marshal” car, a classic 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, alongside her wife, Ilana Kloss. As the legendary tennis star and advocate for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights prepared to lead the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade, a wave of supporters eagerly gathered, seeking her autograph and sharing warm conversations.
Reflecting on the significance of the parade, King recalled, “It was such a part of my life. The whole family would watch the Rose Bowl Parade and then we would watch the football game. It was something we would look forward to every January 1.” Currently residing in New York, King mentioned that she frequently visits Southern California, as her brother, a former professional baseball player, lives in Long Beach.
Tournament President Ed Morales described King as the perfect choice for this year’s Grand Marshal, aligning seamlessly with the parade’s theme, “Best Day Ever!” King’s illustrious career is a testament to her impact both on and off the tennis court. Starting as a young talent, she won her first women’s doubles title at Wimbledon at just 17. Over her career, she accumulated a stunning 39 Grand Slam titles and dominated Wimbledon with a record 20 victories.
Her commitment to equality in sports is equally remarkable. In 1970, she joined the Virginia Slims Tour, leading the charge for equal prize money. Notably, despite her triumphs, she faced pay disparities, as seen when she won the U.S. Open in 1972, only to earn significantly less than her male counterpart. King was also an influential advocate for Title IX, a law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and sports.
Her historic “Battle of the Sexes” match in 1973 against Bobby Riggs captivated an audience of over 90 million worldwide, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equity in sports. King not only paved the way for female athletes but also founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation, advocating for greater access to sports for girls.
Despite personal challenges, including being outed as a lesbian in 1981, King emerged resilient. She continued to break barriers and was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987. The USTA National Tennis Center was renamed in her honor in 2006.
Set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, King will become the first female athlete to be recognized in this way, solidifying her status not just as a champion on the tennis court, but as a beacon of progress in the ongoing fight for equality in sports.
This remarkable story of Billie Jean King stands as an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience, pioneering spirit, and the enduring quest for equality. Her journey illustrates how one individual can make a profound impact across generations, inspiring others to advocate for change and strive for a better future in sports and society.