Stories of the Open Era: Billie Jean King

As the grass-court season kicks into high gear, the latest edition of Tennis Channel’s Stories of the Open Era looks back at one of the best grass-court players of our time, Billie Jean King. The American tennis legend won a staggering 39 Grand Slam trophies, including 20 Wimbledon titles.

A champion for equal rights—she helped pave the way for women in sports—it was only fitting that King was the defending champion at the first Wimbledon of the Open Era in 1968, which offered prize money for the first time.

The American, who had won Wimbledon the previous two years in 1966 and 1967, defeated Australian Judie Tegart in two tight sets in the final, earning the three-peat. She was a finalist the following two years (she lost to Margaret Court in 1970), but got back in the winner’s circle, winning three more singles trophies at the All England Club.

The former world No. 1 won a total of 20 majors in SW19, a record she shares with Martina Navratilova. The two legends won the women’s doubles in 1979, King’s last Wimbledon title.

A co-founder of World Team Tennis, King is actively involved in the sport. The activist continues to fight for equality.

A LANDMARK DOCUMENTARY DURING THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS EVENT IN SPORTS, CELEBRATING THE UNPARALLELED FEDERER-RIVALRY AND 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREATEST MATCH EVER PLAYED.

In association with All England Lawn & Tennis Club, Rock Paper Scissors Entertainment and Amblin Television.  Directed by Andrew Douglas.