the story behind a historic fight for equality
The United States has long celebrated its most progressive moments in cities like New York, where culture meets ambition. On a recent night, a former president and his spouse were spotted at the US Open, a reminder that this tournament often serves as a stage for larger social conversations. The event highlighted the presence of tennis stars who symbolize the sport’s peak moments, including Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, who shaped the tournament’s current era.
Michelle Obama joined in honoring Billie Jean King on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the equal prize money award at the US Open. The former first lady emphasized how King’s leadership changed tennis and, more broadly, how it reshaped opportunities for women and girls both on and off the court. This sentiment was echoed in a widely shared social post celebrating King’s impact.
The story begins with a legend who is closely tied to the New York National Tennis Center, a stadium named after a pioneer who helped redefine the sport. Fifty years ago, King pressed for change, convincing the United States Tennis Federation to break new ground. The prize money, once unequal, was finally equalized for men and women at the US Open in 1973, marking a turning point for gender equality in sports.
That moment did not occur in isolation. It followed a broader movement that took root in the Open era. While other major tournaments lagged behind for decades, King’s determination and strategic actions pushed the industry toward parity. The road was rocky, with threatened boycotts and fierce resistance, but the effort eventually reshaped how tennis, and sports in general, value female athletes.
the fight that changed the game
The momentum did not start in New York. In 1968, when King won Wimbledon during the Open era, she faced a glaring pay gap and unfair treatment. She organized with teammates and allies, including Rosie Casals and Nancy Richey, and with the help of journalism and advocacy figures, they moved beyond threats of boycotts. They created a platform to demand fair compensation for women, launching new competitions that highlighted gender parity.
From those early steps, a movement began to take shape. The circuit known as the Original Nine helped seed what would become the Women’s Tennis Association, with bold actions that inspired other athletes to push for equal recognition and resources. The revolution gained speed, culminating in a breakthrough moment in New York in 1973 when federal protections and new sponsorships aligned to support equality in prize money.
The broader landscape of equality continued to evolve. The year that Title IX was enacted in the United States marked a major legal milestone, outlawing gender discrimination in educational programs that received federal funding. King and her allies pressed for even more changes, insisting that winners should be compensated fairly regardless of gender and that sponsors would stand behind such equity. The era’s victories extended beyond the court and into broader social movements that championed equal rights for women in sports and beyond.
a principle larger than the paycheck
The achievements of this era helped King secure lasting recognition, as the fight for equality broadened into ongoing advocacy. This included supporting women’s sports programs and LGBT rights, expanding opportunities for women to compete, coach, and lead. In New York, the current moment reflects a continuing conversation about equality, with prize money rising to levels that reflect the sport’s highest standards. The focus remains on ensuring that champions are celebrated for their skill and influence, not merely for their earnings.
In remarks that day, the former first lady recalled the historic clashes and the broader context of the struggle for respect and opportunity. The emphasis was clear: progress can be fragile, and vigilance, memory, and collective action are essential to defend gains and extend them to future generations. The message resonated with fans and players alike, underscoring the need to talk about and fight for progress, to protect what has been won, and to broaden it so more of the sport’s girls see themselves represented at the highest levels.
King’s legacy inspired a new generation of athletes, including stars who pushed for parity in their own sports. Her leadership is remembered not only for the checks she helped secure but for the doors she opened for others who followed. The scene ended with a reminder that the journey is ongoing and that ongoing effort is required to bridge remaining gaps on court and beyond. The call to action remains simple: stay engaged, raise voices, vote, and keep the momentum alive for future generations of athletes and fans alike.
As the conversation continues, Billie Jean King’s example stands as a beacon for equality in sports and society, showing that the fight for fair treatment is a continuous, collective effort that extends far beyond any single match or prize check. The enduring lesson is clear: progress endures when communities stay united and act with purpose across generations.
[Citation: Billie Jean King and the US Open equality milestone]