The Iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Tennis Match

Fifty years ago, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a historic “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match. This monumental event not only showcased athleticism but also became a crucial moment in the women’s rights movement.

A Historic Event in Tennis

The match was the most watched tennis match of all time, with an estimated 90 million viewers globally. Riggs, a cocky 55-year-old once ranked No. 1, claimed he could still beat the top female players. Just months before facing King, he had triumphed over 30-year-old star Margaret Court in straight sets, with a score of 6-2, 6-1.

The Challenge

Riggs challenged King, who at 29 was a champion and had just established the Women’s Tennis Association that year. She threatened to boycott the US Open unless male and female champions received equal prize money. Determined to represent women worldwide, King accepted Riggs’ challenge.

“I thought it would set us back 50 years if I didn’t win that match,” King stated. “It would ruin the women’s tour and affect the self-esteem of all women.”

The Match Day

The match unfolded at the Astrodome in Houston on September 20, 1973, attracting an audience of over 30,000. King emerged victorious, winning in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, while claiming the $100,000 prize money. However, the real triumph lay in its significance for women’s sports and equality.