Since Title IX does not solely focus on equal education for women, but all programs involved, it has also greatly influenced and expanded women in athletic programs. Just after a year Title IX was passed, on September 20th, 1973, the tennis match reported as the most impactful “Battle of the Sexes” occurred between 29-year-old Billie Jean King and 55-year-old Bobby Riggs. Riggs, the number one men’s player, claimed that women were inferior, and he could win against any female athlete. The tennis match took place in Houston, Texas inside the Astrodome. That day, the Astrodome seated 30,472 spectators and streamed to over 90 million on the television making it one of the most-watch tennis matches of all time. Bringing the attention of multiple media sources, they played in a tennis match competing for the prize of $100,000. The prize money wasn’t the only thing at risk, but the fate of women’s athletics and rights were on the line. King won in all three sets changing the perspective around women athletes.
The win not only validated women athletes, but it contributed to positive advancements for women’s rights overall. Before the match Riggs would claim, “women belong in the bedroom and kitchen, in that order”. After King tossed her racket in the air after a celebratory victory, Riggs told King, “I underestimated you”. The realization in Riggs and the rest of society became a prominent event towards women’s rights. The publicized event was a step forward in the women’s movement. King also had a large impact on equal pay which connects to equal opportunities for women. She played a part in the creation of the Women’s Tennis Association where she was seen as a women’s rights activist. King threatened to “boycott the U.S. Open if male and female champions were not paid the same” (Augustyn). Due to her claim, the U.S. Open became the first major tennis tournament to have equal payouts. With her contributions on and off the court, she became the most influential person in women’s athletics.
“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964.
“‘Battle of the Sexes.’” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 24 Nov. 2009, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/king-triumphs-in-battle-of-…;