Billie Jean King recently spoke about today's tennis, having just returned from the All England Lawn Tennis Championships, where she watched Iga Świątek defeat Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the women's singles final.
What happened at Wimbledon?
King sat next to Princess Kate in the Royal Box, witnessing Świątek's dominant performance.
The current state of women's tennis
King noted that the women's game has come a long way, with many top players capable of beating each other on any given day, unlike in the past when there were two dominant players like Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.
King's thoughts on the new generation
King praised Świątek, saying she was amazing, and acknowledged that she couldn't have beaten her in her prime, as every generation gets better.
The play about King's life
A new play, "Billie Jean," is currently in its world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, telling the story of King's life and legacy.
King has been involved in Chicago for a long time, having owned the Chicago tournament with her former husband, and still has a place in the city.
King's advice to young players
King emphasized the importance of understanding the business side of sports, saying that top players should run their own businesses and not just rely on endorsements.
King also spoke about the changing of the guard in men's tennis, mentioning Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as two of the best male players in the world.
The impact of King's legacy
King's legacy extends beyond tennis, as she has been a leader in women's sports since the 1970s, paving the way for other women's sports to gain recognition and investment.
The play about King's life is expected to have a life beyond Chicago, showcasing her remarkable story and impact on women's sports.
King's conversation with the Chicago Tribune was edited for clarity and length, providing insight into her thoughts on today's tennis and her enduring legacy.