How Did Billie Jean Defeat Bobby in the Epic Battle of the Sexes?

The historic tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, known as the "Battle of the Sexes," was a pivotal moment not only in sports but also in the fight for gender equality. On 20 September 1973, King defeated Riggs in front of an estimated 90 million viewers, symbolising a significant cultural shift for women in sports and beyond. This match remains a defining event, showcasing the intersection of sport and social change.

Last updated: 28 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As we approach the anniversary of this landmark event, Billie Jean King's victory continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about gender equality in sports. The upcoming match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios is being billed as a modern iteration of the "Battle of the Sexes." However, King herself cautions that the stakes are vastly different today. While the earlier match was steeped in political and social significance, the current one lacks the same level of societal impact.

Key takeaways

The original "Battle of the Sexes" occurred in 1973, where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs.
King's victory was pivotal for the women's rights movement, advocating for equality and better treatment in sports.
Riggs was a self-proclaimed chauvinist who challenged King to highlight gender disparities in tennis.
The upcoming match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios attempts to evoke the spirit of that era but lacks its political weight.
King's legacy is as much about her athletic achievements as it is about her fight for equality.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand the significance of the "Battle of the Sexes," it is essential to look at the timeline leading up to the match on 20 September 1973:

1968: Tennis turns professional, allowing for prize money for female players.
1970: The Original Nine, including King, formed their own women's circuit for better pay.
May 1973: The first "Battle of the Sexes" match takes place, where Riggs defeats Margaret Court.
20 September 1973: Billie Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs in a highly publicised match watched by millions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the anniversary of the match approaches, the narrative surrounding gender equality in sports remains relevant, with modern players like Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios generating buzz. However, the significance of their match lacks the historical weight that King and Riggs’ encounter carried.

What was already established

Billie Jean King's victory over Bobby Riggs is often cited as a crucial turning point for women in sports. It highlighted the disparity in treatment and pay between male and female athletes and inspired future generations to advocate for equality.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

King's victory influenced not just the sports world but also public perceptions of gender roles in society. The match inspired women in the UK and beyond to pursue sports and advocate for their rights, leading to increased participation and visibility of female athletes.

Businesses and jobs

In the wake of the match, sports organisations began to pay more attention to gender equality. This shift has led to more sponsorship opportunities for female athletes and increased funding for women's sports, helping to close the pay gap over the decades.

Policy and regulation

The Battle of the Sexes also drew attention from policymakers, prompting discussions about equality in sports. This has led to initiatives aimed at ensuring fair treatment and equitable opportunities for female athletes in the UK and around the world.

Numbers that matter

90 million: The estimated global audience that watched the King-Riggs match.
£100,000: The prize money for the winner, equivalent to about £74,765 today.
39: The total number of Grand Slam titles King won across all disciplines.
24: The number of major singles titles won by Margaret Court, a fierce rival of King.
1973: The year the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) was founded, enhancing the governance of women's tennis.

Definitions and jargon buster

Battle of the Sexes: A phrase used to describe a gender-based competition, popularised by the match between King and Riggs.
WTA: Women's Tennis Association, the governing body for women's professional tennis.
Open Era: The period in tennis that began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in Grand Slam tournaments.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the anniversary of the match approaches, expect media coverage to highlight King's legacy and its relevance to current discussions about gender equality in sports.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Watch for ongoing conversations about pay equity and representation in sports, especially as female athletes gain more visibility and support from sponsors.

Signals to watch

Changes in sponsorship and funding for women's sports.
Increasing attendance and viewership for women's events.
Legislation aimed at promoting gender equality in sports.

Practical guidance

Do

Support women's sports by attending events and advocating for equal pay.
Stay informed about gender equality initiatives within sports organisations.
Encourage young girls to participate in sports and pursue athletic careers.

Don’t

Don't dismiss the impact of historical events like the Battle of the Sexes on current gender dynamics.
Don't engage in or tolerate sexist remarks in sports culture.
Don't overlook the importance of supporting female athletes in their pursuit of equality.

Checklist

Research the history of women's sports and key milestones.
Follow current female athletes and their achievements.
Participate in discussions about equality in sports.
Advocate for policies supporting women's participation in sports.
Engage with community sports programmes aimed at girls.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While King’s victory over Riggs is celebrated, it’s important to recognise the ongoing challenges women face in sports. Gender disparities persist, and progress can be slow. The current match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios may generate interest, but it’s essential to critically assess its implications for gender equality. The motivations behind such events can also be questioned, and the true legacy of the original match must not be forgotten.

Bottom line

The Battle of the Sexes remains a crucial chapter in the fight for equality in sports. Billie Jean King's triumph over Bobby Riggs not only changed perceptions of women's capabilities in athletics but also sparked broader societal conversations about gender roles. As we reflect on this historic event, it serves as a reminder that the struggle for equality continues, and the importance of supporting female athletes is more relevant than ever.

FAQs

What was the "Battle of the Sexes"?

The "Battle of the Sexes" refers to the historic 1973 tennis match where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, symbolising the fight for gender equality in sports.

Why was Billie Jean King's victory significant?

King's victory was significant as it represented a major cultural shift for women's rights, advocating for equal pay and treatment in sports.

How does the upcoming Sabalenka-Kyrgios match compare?

While the upcoming Sabalenka-Kyrgios match is being marketed as a modern "Battle of the Sexes," it lacks the political and social weight of King's match against Riggs, which was deeply tied to the women's rights movement.