Billie Jean King sealed her decades‑long partnership with former doubles champion Ilana Kloss on 18 Oct 2018, marrying the pair in a discreet ceremony at former mayor David Dinkins’ Manhattan apartment. The union, celebrated after 40 years of on‑court collaboration, underscores King’s enduring influence both on and off the court.
How did the relationship begin?
King first met Kloss in 1966 during a Johannesburg tournament where Kloss worked as a ball girl. King’s electrifying serve‑and‑volley style left a lasting impression on the young South African, who later recalled the moment as her first memory of a female athlete live on court. Their connection deepened when they became doubles partners on the WTA Tour in the late 1980s.
What milestones defined their tennis careers?
Kloss, born in 1953, captured the Wimbledon girls’ singles title in 1972 and reached world No. 1 in doubles by 1976. She added a U.S. Open women’s doubles crown, a French Open mixed‑doubles title, and an over‑35 U.S. Open mixed‑doubles win to her résumé. King, already a legend with 39 Grand Slam titles, continued to champion equality while still competing at a high level.
Why was the 2018 wedding significant?
The couple could not legally marry in the United States until the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision on same‑sex marriage. Encouraged by friends Elton John and John McEnroe, they finally exchanged vows in a low‑key affair. Former mayor David Dinkins officiated, and the ceremony featured no rice‑throwing or cake‑smashing—just two brides, one in jeans and a red scarf, the other in a sleek black dress.
How does the partnership impact King’s legacy?
King’s memoir *All In* (2021) reflects on the marriage as a source of security, writing, “Years from now, I never want anyone to question how much I was committed to you.” Their joint activism for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights amplifies King’s historic fight for equal pay and representation in tennis. Together, they embody a partnership that blends athletic achievement with social progress.
What’s next for the duo?
Both women remain active in tennis administration. Kloss serves on the WTA Board of Directors, while King continues to mentor emerging players through the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative. Their shared history suggests future collaborations on advocacy projects, keeping their influence alive well beyond the court.