Billie Jean King is an American former World No. 1 professional tennis player. During her time, she won a total of 39 Grand Slam titles; 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. She played for the United States and was a member of the victorious United States team in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. King also captained the U.S team for three years in the Federation Cup. Aside her great performances on the court, she was also a vocal advocate for gender equality.

At 29, King won the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match against a 55 year old Bobby Riggs in 1973. She later founder the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association and became very instrumental in lobbying cigarette brand Virginia Slims to sponsor women’s tennis in the 1970s and went on to serve on the board of their parent company Philip Morris in the 2000s.

She has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year lifetime achievement award. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1990, and in 2006, the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Who is Billie Jean King?

Billie Jean King was born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California, United States to Betty Jerman and Bill Moffitt. Her mother was a housewife and her father a firefighter. She has one brother Randy Moffitt, an athlete who played in the Major League Baseball as a pitcher.

King was interested in sports at a young age, particularly in baseball and softball. She also played shortstop for a team with girls far older than she was. Her early exposure in those fields helped lay the foundation and shaped her for the successes she enjoyed in tennis.

She began playing tennis when she was 11 years old after a suggestion by her parents that she ventured into a more “ladylike” sports. King saved up and bought her first racquet for US$8 and immediately started taking lessons from tennis professional Clyde Walker on Long Beach’s free public courts.

King attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School and the Los Angeles State College (now known as California State University, Los Angeles) for further education. She however did not complete her degree studies, as she left in 1964 to focus more on tennis.

She showed early signed of becoming a top star and that was evident in her hard work, belief, dedication and unwavering commitment. As of age 13 or 14, she told her minister, Bob Richards, a former Olympic pole-vaulting champion, “Reverend, I’m going to be the best tennis player in the world.”

What is Billie Jean King’s age, height and weight?

Billie Jean King was born on November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California, United States. Currently, she is 80 years old. She stands at 5 feet 4 and half inches tall (1.64 m) and weighs in at 61 kilograms (130 lbs).

What is Billie Jean King’s Nationality and Ethnicity?

Billie Jean King was born in Long Beach, California, United States. She holds an American nationality. Her ethnicity is white.

What is Billie Jean King’s profession?

Billie Jean King is a professional former tennis player.

What is Billie Jean King’s current world ranking?

Billie Jean King is long retired from playing professional tennis so she is not ranked currently. During her time, she reached a career-high ranking of World No. 1 in 1966.

Who are Billie Jean King’s Parents?

Billie Jean King’s parents are Betty Jerman and Bill Moffitt. Her mother was a housewife and her father a firefighter.

Does Billie Jean King have siblings?

Billie Jean King has one brother Randy Moffitt.

Who is Billie Jean King married to?

Billie Jean King is married to her former doubles partner IIana Kloss. The couple tied the knot in 2018. She was previously married to Larry King. Larry is an Attorney, Pilot, Real State Broker, and American sports promoter. The ex-couple were married from 1965 to 1987.

Does Billie Jean King have children?

There is no record of any child or children birthed by Billie Jean King.

What is Billie Jean King’s Net Worth?

According to renowned outlet Celebrity Net Worth, American former professional tennis player Billie Jean King has a net worth of US$20 million as of 2023.