Jean King becomes first woman honoured in sports entertainment on Hollywood Walk of Fame
LOS ANGELES: American tennis legend Billie Jean King has received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first woman honoured in the newly established sports entertainment category.
King, an icon both on and off the court, boasts 39 Grand Slam singles and doubles titles and has been a tireless advocate for gender and social equality. The 81-year-old expressed pride in the recognition, but hopes more women will follow. “The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” she said.
Previously, the Walk of Fame recognised stars from cinema, television, radio, theatre and music. King’s star is the 2,807th to be added since the tradition began in 1960.
“This would’ve meant so much to my mother. My family loved music and movies,” said King, who also founded the Women’s Tennis Association and was famously depicted in the 2017 film Battle of the Sexes, which portrayed her historic 1973 match against Bobby Riggs.
King’s contribution to tennis and her fight for equality continue to inspire generations both within and beyond sport.
