The US Open is celebrating a major milestone this year: the 45th anniversary of Billie Jean King’s historic push for equal prize money for male and female players. In 1973, King made a powerful statement when she and other female players refused to participate in the US Open unless the tournament offered equal prize money for both men and women.
At the time, the US Open offered a much larger prize purse for male players than female players. This inequality was a reflection of the larger gender gap in sports at the time, and King was determined to make a change. She and other female players formed the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and demanded that the US Open offer equal prize money for both men and women.
The US Open eventually agreed to the demands, and in 1973, the tournament became the first major tennis event to offer equal prize money for both men and women. This was a major victory for King and the WTA, and it set a powerful precedent for other tournaments to follow.
Today, the US Open continues to celebrate King’s legacy by offering equal prize money for both men and women. This year, the tournament is also honoring King with a special ceremony on August 28th. The ceremony will feature a panel discussion with King and other tennis legends, as well as a special video presentation highlighting her historic achievement.
The US Open’s commitment to equal prize money is a testament to King’s legacy, and it serves as an important reminder of how far we have come in terms of gender equality in sports. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of King’s historic push for equal prize money, let us also remember her courage and determination in making this change happen.
