Billie Jean King Embraces Pickleball: Billie Jean King, a tennis legend, is now setting her sights on pickleball, a sport that’s taking off. Known as BJK, the American former world No. 1 is a true icon in the sport, with an impressive tally of 39 Grand Slam titles—12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. King’s achievements extend beyond the courts as she played a crucial role in leading the U.S. team to victory in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. For three years, she also served as the U.S. captain in the Federation Cup. Now, she’s bringing her legendary prowess and passion to pickleball.
Embracing the New Wave: King’s Take on Pickleball
In a recent video tweet, Billie Jean King expressed her admiration for pickleball’s accessibility and appeal, especially when compared to tennis. “I think it’s great because you get to run around and do your thing and it’s much easier to pick up than tennis, which I think is good,” she remarked. King’s endorsement of pickleball underscores her commitment to encouraging physical activity across diverse sports.
However, King did not shy away from sharing her critique. She mentioned her dislike for the distinctive sound produced when a pickleball strikes the paddle, a feature she finds less satisfying compared to the resonance of a tennis racket’s strings. “The only thing that bothers me at this point is the noise when you hit it. There’s no give really, whereas the strings on a tennis racket are just beautiful,” King noted. Despite this minor quibble, her overall support for the sport reflects her ongoing passion for promoting fitness and activity.
I get asked this question all the time: What do I think about pickleball?🤔 pic.twitter.com/VabecbvFkd
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) August 8, 2024
Reflecting on Progress: Title IX and Family Influence
King also took the opportunity to reflect on her early experiences in sports, contrasting them with the progress made in women’s athletics since the introduction of Title IX. Recalling the pre-Title IX era, she described a time when opportunities for women in sports were virtually nonexistent. “What was my jersey number when I played softball and basketball? We didn’t have jerseys. This is pre-Title IX back in the 50s and the 60s and there was nothing, girls. Absolutely nothing,” King remembered. This reflection highlights the significant strides made in creating equitable opportunities for women in sports.
Integral to King’s journey was the support of her father, who played a crucial role in her development as an athlete. King praised her father’s influence, noting his own prowess in basketball and his role in encouraging her athletic pursuits. “Thank God. This is where fathers were really helpful because usually, it’s boys that are in sports. And my dad was a basketball player. He was really good actually. He could shoot 100 baskets in a row.”
His support extended beyond the basketball court, as he also emphasized the importance of sports for both his children. “Because of my dad, who would play catch with me by the hour, I’d go play basketball with him. It’s the reason I was in sports and he understood how healthy it was for both his children, you know, a girl and a boy to play sports.”
King’s reflections not only celebrate the progress in women’s sports but also acknowledge the vital role of family support in nurturing athletic talent. Her journey from pioneering tennis champion to advocate for emerging sports like pickleball highlights her enduring influence on the world of athletics and her continued dedication to promoting sports for all.
News in Brief: Billie Jean King Embraces Pickleball
Tennis legend Billie Jean King, renowned for her 39 Grand Slam titles and pivotal role in the U.S. team’s success, is now embracing pickleball. King praised pickleball for its accessibility compared to tennis, though she expressed a minor critique of its distinctive sound, finding it less pleasing than the resonance of a tennis racket’s strings. Reflecting on the progress since Title IX, King recalled the lack of opportunities for women in sports before its enactment and highlighted her father’s crucial support in her athletic development. King’s transition from tennis icon to pickleball advocate underscores her ongoing commitment to promoting fitness and advancing sports for all.
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