Billie Jean King's extraordinary contribution to tennis and to public life will be recognized with the historic Congressional Gold Medal.
King's achievements on the court would be enough to make her a tennis legend. However, what she did off the court for women's tennis and gender equality has made her one of the most influential sports figures.
Born into a conservative Methodist family in Long Beach, California, in 1943, few could have predicted that someone with that background would become one of the biggest champions for women's sports ever.
The open era of tennis began in 1968 when the split between professional and amateur players ended. However, equal prize money was not widely seen as an issue at the beginning of the era.
King became the most outspoken advocate for equality. After winning the 1972 US Open, King said she would refuse to play at the tournament the following year unless the prize money was changed.
The US Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money the following year. But King's work was not done there. She continued her pioneering work, which revolutionized women's tennis.
King led player efforts to support the Virginia Slims in 1970, the first professional women's tennis tour. That circuit eventually became the basis for the WTA Tour, the current professional women's circuit.
The American's tireless efforts to support the creation of a professional circuit were even more admirable because other tennis legends like Chris Evert, Margaret Court, and Virginia Wade did not initially support King's efforts.
King eventually founded the Women's Tennis Association in June 1973. The WTA Tour, which millions of fans enjoy worldwide, would not have been possible without her incredible efforts.
The tennis icon is also known for her "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs. In 1973, 55-year-old Riggs claimed that the women's game was so inferior that he could beat any of the top female players.
King agreed to play Riggs after he taunted all female players after beating Margaret Court. Watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide, King defeated Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. It is considered a crucial moment for the acceptance of women's tennis.
Her achievements on the court were also outstanding. King won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, including six Wimbledon crowns. During her illustrious career, she also claimed 16 major doubles titles and 11 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.
The Billie Jean King Cup is named in recognition of the 80-year-old. Naomi Osaka will lead Japan at this year's Billie Jean King Cup Finals, but Iga Swiatek opted against representing Poland.
King will become the first individual female athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. U.S. representatives Mike Sherrill and Brian Fitzpatrick successfully passed the bipartisan legislation to award King the honor, and Fitzpatrick commented on the move afterward.
"With this bill getting signed into law, we are cementing Billie Jean's legacy as both a champion of tennis and equality whose impact will continue to inspire and empower future generations."
The tennis legend responded to the news on social media, saying she was deeply honored and humbled. She thoroughly deserves the recognition after everything she has done for tennis and gender equality.