First published 1983
Billie Jean King chronicles her journey from a young girl picking up her first tennis racket to becoming one of the sport's most dominant forces. She recounts her rise through the amateur ranks, her professional breakthrough, and the matches that defined her career. King details her fight for equal prize money in tennis, including her preparation for and victory in the famous "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs in 1973. She shares the personal struggles behind her public success, including the pressure of being a role model and advocate for women's rights in sports. King reveals how tennis became her platform for broader social change, from founding the Women's Tennis Association to pushing for Title IX legislation. The book captures both her competitive drive on the court and her determination to create opportunities for future generations of female athletes.
Genres: feminism, autobiography, sports, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: biographical, inspirational, social-commentary
Period: 20th-Century
252 pages · Paperback · Granada