Introduction
Billie Jean King is one of the most influential athletes and activists of the 20th century. In her memoir "All In," she recounts her remarkable journey from a working-class girl in Long Beach, California to becoming the world's top tennis player and a tireless advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. This book provides an intimate look at the experiences that shaped King's fierce determination to fight for justice both on and off the tennis court.
King's story is one of breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. She came of age at a time when opportunities for female athletes were extremely limited. Through sheer talent, hard work, and an unwavering belief in herself, King rose to the top of the tennis world. But she wasn't content to simply enjoy her success - she leveraged her platform to push for equal treatment and pay for women in tennis and beyond.
From organizing the first women's professional tennis tour to her iconic "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs, King was at the forefront of the fight for gender equality in sports. Her activism helped pave the way for Title IX legislation and inspired generations of female athletes. King's impact extended far beyond tennis, as she became an important voice in the women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights movements.
"All In" offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at King's triumphs and struggles, both personal and professional. She opens up about her journey to accept her sexuality, her eating disorder, and the challenges of being in the public eye. Through it all, King's passion for tennis and social justice shines through. Her story is a powerful reminder that one person really can change the world.
Finding Her Calling
Billie Jean King's love affair with tennis began on a sunny September day in 1954. At just ten years old, she took her first tennis lesson on a public court in Long Beach, California. From the moment she picked up a racket, something clicked. The combination of athleticism, strategy, and constant motion appealed to young Billie Jean's competitive nature. After that very first lesson, she declared to her mother that she wanted to become the number one tennis player in the world.
While her mother's response was a polite "Okay dear," Billie Jean's parents never tried to limit their children's dreams. Though the Moffitts were a working-class family with limited means, they supported Billie Jean's tennis ambitions as best they could. Her father even built a small practice wall in their backyard so she could work on her groundstrokes.
Even at a young age, Billie Jean was aware of the obstacles she might face as a female athlete. She was shocked to learn there were no women playing professional baseball. Neighborhood boys sometimes balked at playing sports with a girl. But rather than discouraging her, these realizations only fueled Billie Jean's determination to succeed and make a difference.
Her first tennis coach, Clyde Walker, recognized Billie Jean's potential and quickly entered her in junior tournaments. When she asked if he could make her a champion, Walker wisely replied that he couldn't - but with hard work and determination, she could make herself into a champion. This message of self-reliance through hard work was reinforced by her pastor, Olympic pole vaulter Bob Richards. His motivational sermons emphasized that the only thing separating average people from champions was extra effort.
Billie Jean took these lessons to heart, training relentlessly to improve her game. By eighth grade, she was regularly winning matches and being featured in the local newspaper as a tennis prodigy. As she began competing in more tournaments and observing the tennis establishment, Billie Jean's eyes were opened to issues of inequality. Noticing how white the sport was, she added another item to her to-do list: if she reached her goal of being number one, she would use that status to fight for equal rights and unite people. Even as a young teenager, Billie Jean saw tennis as more than just a game - it was her calling to make a difference in the world.
Learning from the Best
In 1957, 13-year-old Billie Jean got her first glimpse of world-class tennis when she watched Althea Gibson play at the Pacific Southwest Championships. Gibson was already a legend, having broken the color barrier in tennis and won multiple Grand Slam titles. Watching Gibson's graceful yet powerful play was a revelation for Billie Jean. It showed her the level of excellence she would need to achieve to become number one, while also inspiring her to push herself even harder.
That same week, Billie Jean won a junior singles tournament, earning her membership to the prestigious Los Angeles Tennis Club. This opened up a new world of high-level competition and exposure to tennis stars. It also gave Billie Jean insight into some of the odd dynamics in the tennis world, particularly the divide between amateur and professional players. At the time, major tournaments like Wimbledon were amateur-only events. Professional players were looked down upon for playing for money rather than prestige. Winners of amateur events received only small trophies or gift vouchers as prizes.
This system made it difficult for players from working-class backgrounds like Billie Jean to afford travel to tournaments. While other California players could use trips to the US National Championships in New York as an opportunity to play in other East Coast events, Billie Jean's family simply couldn't afford it. Many players relied on local fundraisers to scrape together money for travel expenses. The tennis establishment provided only meager per diem payments to help cover costs.
Despite these challenges, Billie Jean's game continued to improve. In 1961, at age 17, she won the women's doubles title at Wimbledon alongside Karen Hantze. They were the youngest doubles champions in the tournament's history. It was a thrilling experience, but upon returning home, Billie Jean found little had changed. She still faced expectations to settle down and give up her tennis dreams.
Billie Jean would have gone pro if she could, but such opportunities were rare for women at the time. Even with a major title under her belt, her future in tennis felt uncertain. She enrolled in college but spent more time contemplating her path forward than studying. It was during this period of uncertainty that she met Larry King, her future husband. Larry proved to be not just a romantic partner, but a key supporter of Billie Jean's tennis ambitions and budding activism.
A Pivotal Trip Down Under
By 1964, Billie Jean had established herself as a top player, but she knew she needed to take her game to the next level to achieve her goal of being number one. A pivotal opportunity arose when she was invited to train in Australia for three months with renowned coach Mervyn Rose. It was a difficult decision that meant quitting college to focus on tennis full-time. With Larry's encouragement, Billie Jean took the leap.
The trip was made possible by Bob Mitchell, an Australian businessman who had previously supported other top players. For the first time, Billie Jean could devote herself entirely to tennis without worrying about finances. The training was grueling - she shed 14 pounds before even leaving for Australia. Rose completely broke down her game and rebuilt it, particularly focusing on improving her serve and forehand.
Perhaps the greatest benefit was the opportunity to practice alongside players like Margaret Court, Roy Emerson, and Rod Laver. Billie Jean soaked up every lesson she could from these champions. The experience transformed her game both physically and mentally. The results were dramatic - before the Australia trip, Billie Jean's record against Margaret Court was 1-9. Afterward, they were evenly matched at 12-12.
Returning home with renewed confidence, Billie Jean's game continued to improve. In 1967, she finally achieved her lifelong goal of becoming the world's top-ranked women's tennis player by beating Margaret Court in the Wimbledon finals. She also won the women's doubles title that year with Rosie Casals. Now that she had reached the pinnacle of the sport, Billie Jean was ready to use her platform to push for change.
The timing was fortuitous, as 1967 marked the beginning of major changes in tennis. Wimbledon announced it would begin accepting both professional and amateur players, ushering in the Open Era of tennis. This opened the door for sponsorships and prize money, allowing players to finally earn a living from the sport. However, it quickly became apparent that men's tennis would try to claim the lion's share of the new money flowing into the game. The stage was set for Billie Jean to lead the fight for equality in professional tennis.
Launching a Women's Tour
Frustrated by the massive disparity in prize money between men's and women's events in the new Open Era, Billie Jean King and eight other top female players decided to take matters into their own hands. In 1970, they became known as the Original Nine: Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Judy Dalton, Val Ziegenfuss, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, and Patti Hogan. Together, they risked their careers to launch an independent women's tennis tour.
The women found a powerful ally in Gladys Heldman, founder of World Tennis magazine. Heldman secured major sponsorship from Philip Morris tobacco corporation for what would become the Virginia Slims Tour. To get around threats of suspension from the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA), Heldman cleverly signed each player to a $1 contract, exploiting a loophole in USLTA rules.
Billie Jean used her status as the top women's player to generate media attention for their cause. She highlighted the absurd prize money disparities and systemic discrimination in tennis. A survey they conducted of US Open fans contradicted claims that women's tennis didn't draw audiences. The success of the Virginia Slims Tour would prove the naysayers wrong.
The early days of the tour were a whirlwind. In just over three months in 1971, they held 14 tournaments across the country. The players would arrive in each city, do media interviews, hand out flyers, and then compete. It was exhausting but exhilarating. The colorful personalities of the players and the exciting matches drew enthusiastic crowds wherever they went.
For the first time, female tennis players were taking control of their own careers and financial futures. The tour offered over $300,000 in prize money by 1973 - a dramatic increase from just a few years earlier. New stars like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova were joining the ranks. Women's tennis was on the rise, and it was having ripple effects for women's sports in general.
The Virginia Slims Tour laid the groundwork for the formation of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973, with Billie Jean King as its first president. The WTA unified the women's game and continues to oversee the top-level professional tour today. Through their bold actions, Billie Jean and her fellow players had changed the landscape of tennis forever.
The Battle of the Sexes
While women's tennis was making great strides, there were still those who sought to diminish its value. Enter Bobby Riggs, a former tennis champion turned hustler who liked to challenge celebrities to exhibition matches. In 1973, at age 55, Riggs proclaimed that he could beat any top female player, asserting that women's tennis was inferior and that women belonged "in the bedroom and kitchen."
When Riggs easily defeated Margaret Court in a highly-publicized match, Billie Jean King knew she had to step up. Though she had initially refused Riggs' challenges, she now saw it as her duty to prove him wrong on a national stage. The resulting "Battle of the Sexes" match became a cultural phenomenon that transcended tennis.
The match was held in the Houston Astrodome before a crowd of over 30,000 - the largest ever to watch a tennis match in the US. Millions more tuned in on television. Riggs entered in grand style, carried on a litter like an Egyptian pharaoh. King arrived on a feather-adorned litter of her own, embracing the spectacle while remaining focused on the task at hand.
In the locker room before the match, the weight of the moment hit Billie Jean. This wasn't just about tennis - it was about equality and respect for women in all fields. She drew strength from thinking about her fellow players on the Virginia Slims Tour and all they had accomplished. With renewed determination, she took the court.
King defeated Riggs decisively in straight sets: 6–4, 6–3, 6–3. Her victory was a watershed moment for women's sports and the broader women's rights movement. It proved that female athletes could compete at the highest level and draw massive audiences. The match helped change perceptions about women's capabilities both on and off the court.
In the aftermath, King used her heightened profile to continue advocating for equality in tennis and beyond. The Battle of the Sexes remains one of the most-watched sporting events in American history. It cemented Billie Jean King's status as not just a tennis champion, but a champion for social change.
Personal Struggles and Coming Out
While Billie Jean King was breaking barriers in public, she was also grappling with her sexuality in private. Though happily married to Larry King, she had occasional affairs with women while on tour. In 1969, she confessed to Larry about a brief relationship with another woman. Larry was understanding, and their marriage endured.
In 1972, Billie Jean met hairstylist Marilyn Barnett. What began as a friendship soon developed into a romantic relationship. Marilyn joined Billie Jean on tour as her assistant, allowing them to spend more time together. However, the relationship eventually soured as Marilyn became possessive and demanding.
When Billie Jean tried to end things, Marilyn sued her in 1981, seeking palimony and outing Billie Jean in the process. It was a media firestorm. Billie Jean and Larry presented a united front, doing interviews to explain that they were still very much in love despite Billie Jean's affair. She denied being a lesbian, fearing the potential repercussions for her career and activism.
In reality, Billie Jean had recently fallen in love with former tennis player Ilana Kloss. But she wasn't ready to fully come out. She worried about losing sponsorships and her ability to work with children. Some close friends advised her against coming out. It was a difficult period of living a double life.
It wasn't until 1987 that Billie Jean finally divorced Larry and committed to her relationship with Ilana. Even then, she didn't publicly come out. She first told her parents she was gay while seeking treatment for an eating disorder in the early 1990s. It wasn't until 2006, in an HBO documentary, that Billie Jean spoke openly about her long-term relationship with Ilana.
Billie Jean and Ilana finally married in 2018 in a small, private ceremony. Though it took decades, Billie Jean eventually embraced her identity fully. Her journey reflects the challenges many LGBTQ+ people faced in that era, especially those in the public eye. By sharing her story, she has become an important advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in sports.
Continuing the Fight for Equality
Though she retired from professional tennis in 1983, Billie Jean King has remained a powerful voice for equality and inclusion. She has been particularly active in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. In 2014, President Barack Obama chose her as part of the US delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia - a pointed choice given Russia's persecution of LGBTQ+ people.
While in Sochi, King spoke out against the violence and oppression faced by LGBTQ+ Russians. Her words resonated with a gay teenager named Vlad, who approached her after a press conference. Vlad described the abuse and bullying he endured daily in Sochi. Moved by his plight, King worked with the US State Department to help Vlad leave Russia through a refugee program. He was able to enroll in college in the US, where he eventually met the man he would marry.
For King, moments like these reinforce the importance of continuing to fight for equality. She has seen enormous progress in her lifetime, but knows the work is far from over. The Trump administration's attempts to roll back LGBTQ+ rights and protections served as a stark reminder that hard-won victories can be fragile.
One of the achievements King is most proud of is Title IX, the 1972 law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Title IX had a transformative effect on women's sports in the US, dramatically increasing opportunities for female athletes at all levels. It also put pressure on professional tennis to offer equal prize money for men and women.
King sees Title IX as proof that legislation can drive social change. She continues to advocate for policies that promote equality and inclusion, both in sports and society at large. Her Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative works to increase diversity in the workplace and create inclusive environments.
At 77, King shows no signs of slowing down in her activism. She remains a sought-after speaker and mentor, inspiring new generations to carry on the fight for equality. Whether it's pushing for equal pay, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or supporting young activists, King is still very much in the game.
Legacy and Impact
Billie Jean King's influence on tennis and society at large is difficult to overstate. As a player, she won 39 Grand Slam titles and was ranked World No. 1 for five years. But her impact off the court may be even greater. Here are some of the key ways King changed the game:
Equal prize money: King's advocacy was instrumental in pushing for equal prize money in tennis. In 1973, the US Open became the first major tournament to offer equal pay for men and women. It took until 2007 for all four Grand Slam tournaments to follow suit.
Women's Tennis Association: King was the driving force behind the creation of the WTA in 1973, unifying the women's tour and giving players a stronger voice in the sport.
World TeamTennis: In 1974, King co-founded World TeamTennis, a mixed-gender professional tennis league that emphasized equality and team play.
Title IX: While not directly responsible for Title IX, King's advocacy helped create the climate that made such legislation possible. She has been a tireless champion of the law and its implementation.
LGBTQ+ visibility in sports: By coming out and speaking openly about her experiences, King has helped pave the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes.
Women in sports media: King co-founded womenSports magazine in 1974, providing much-needed coverage of women's athletics.
Beyond these specific achievements, King's broader impact on sports and society is immeasurable. She showed that athletes could be powerful advocates for social change. She inspired countless girls and women to pursue their athletic dreams. And she helped change perceptions about what women could achieve in all fields.
King's legacy is evident in the opportunities available to female athletes today. When she started playing, there was no viable career path for women in tennis. Now, female tennis players are among the highest-paid athletes in the world. The WTA offers over $180 million in prize money annually. While disparities still exist in many sports, the progress made in King's lifetime is remarkable.
In recognition of her contributions, King has received numerous honors. In 1987, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. In 2006, the USTA National Tennis Center in New York was renamed the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. In 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Perhaps most importantly, King's example continues to inspire new generations of athletes and activists. Many of today's top tennis players, like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, cite King as a role model both for her play and her advocacy. Beyond tennis, athletes in all sports are increasingly using their platforms to speak out on social issues, following the trail King blazed decades ago.
At 77, King remains active in tennis and social causes. She serves on the board of the Women's Sports Foundation, which she founded in 1974 to advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity. She continues to speak out on issues of equality and inclusion. And she's still pushing the tennis world forward - in 2020, she was part of a successful campaign to rename the Fed Cup (the premier international team competition in women's tennis) as the Billie Jean King Cup.
Billie Jean King's journey from a working-class girl with a big dream to a global icon for equality is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. She didn't just excel at tennis - she used her success to change the game and the world around her. Her life story, as told in "All In," is a powerful reminder that one person really can make a difference.
Final Thoughts
"All In" is more than just a sports memoir. It's a story of personal growth, social change, and the power of determination. Billie Jean King's journey from a young girl dreaming of being the best tennis player in the world to becoming a global icon for equality is truly inspiring.
Throughout the book, several themes stand out:
The importance of hard work and perseverance: From her early days practicing against a backyard wall to her grueling training in Australia, King's success was built on relentless effort.
The courage to challenge the status quo: Whether it was fighting for equal prize money or starting a new women's tour, King wasn't afraid to rock the boat for what she believed was right.
The intersection of personal and political: King's journey of self-discovery regarding her sexuality paralleled her public fight for equality, highlighting how personal struggles can fuel broader activism.
The power of visibility and representation: By succeeding at the highest levels of tennis and using her platform to advocate for change, King showed what was possible for women in sports and beyond.
The ongoing nature of the fight for equality: While celebrating progress, King's story also reminds us that the work is never truly done. New challenges always arise, requiring continued vigilance and activism.
King's life story is a testament to the idea that sports can be a powerful vehicle for social change. By excelling on the court and speaking out off it, she helped change perceptions about women's capabilities and worth. Her impact extends far beyond tennis, touching on issues of gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice more broadly.
For readers today, "All In" offers valuable lessons about perseverance, integrity, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. It's a reminder that change is possible, but it often requires bold action and a willingness to take risks. King's story encourages us all to consider how we can use our own talents and platforms, whatever they may be, to make a positive difference in the world.
As we look to the future, King's legacy continues to inspire new generations of athletes and activists. The battles she fought - for equal pay, for LGBTQ+ rights, for women's empowerment - are still ongoing in many ways. But thanks to trailblazers like King, today's advocates have a strong foundation to build upon.
In the end, "All In" is a call to action. It challenges readers to consider what they're passionate about, what injustices they see in the world, and how they can use their own skills and influence to effect change. Just as Billie Jean King went "all in" on her dreams and her fight for equality, she encourages us all to fully commit to making the world a better place.
Billie Jean King's life story is a powerful reminder that sports can be about so much more than just winning games. At their best, sports can challenge our assumptions, break down barriers, and inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable world. Through her remarkable journey, King shows us what it truly means to be a champion - not just on the court, but in life.