It has been 50 years since that fateful day in June 1973, when a group of women, led by Billie Jean King decided to form the Women’s Tennis Association. That day paved the road for women’s tennis as we know it today, and for it to grow in the years to come. The pioneering group came together this week, to celebrate the golden jubilee of the WTA. It was a glittering affair and Coco Gauff, paid tribute to these women so beautifully.
The event was as nostalgic as it was fun, with old faces and new. Tracy Austin, Chris Evert, Mary Pierce, and Gabriela Sabatini were some of the well-known icons who were present. Past achievements of women in the sport were cherished with the promise of an even better future.
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The event was led by emcee Chris McKendry. But Broadway star Bre Jackson stole the show, belting out ‘The Room Where It Happens’ from Hamilton.
However, the highlight of the event was when the 14 founding members, including Jean King, took the stage. There was a huge round of applause for these women, with the attendees giving them a standing ovation.
King recalled the journey, and the efforts of the group to bring this vision to life. It was not an easy journey and they were faced with hurdles along the way. But these ladies overcame them.
They changed people’s opinions of women’s tennis, which changed the game forever. The tennis legend also spoke of modern players like Gauff, who are carrying that torch forward.
Coco Gauff paid a beautiful tribute to Billie Jean King and the other founders of the WTA
Five decades ago, 60 women, led by King, had gathered in the conference room of the Gloucester Hotel. Not a single player left the room before the association was formed that day. Billie Jean King was a visionary and a pioneer, who paved the way for women who came after her.
Rising tennis star Coco Gauff paid homage to King and the other founding members in a very moving speech. “It feels like I’ve walked into a women’s tennis history book,” said the teen.
Gauff urged the current and future players to learn about the tour’s history which would help them understand the platform that they have been granted. Gauff spoke about King and Venus Williams and their fight for equal pay for men and women.
She also spoke of her idol Serena Williams, who dominated the sport like no other. Serena made her believe in herself, as she embarked on her own tennis journey. “More importantly, I saw someone who looked like me,” said Gauff (via WTA Tennis).
It was an honor to attend the 50th anniversary of the @WTA. @BJK and the Original 9 have paved the way for women across the globe to DREAM BIG. Let’s continue to drive the future of women’s sports with another successful 50 years! 🫶 pic.twitter.com/kQL310i4d7
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) August 26, 2023
The WTA’s history is rich. While it may have started off as an organization, it quickly became a movement. Billie Jean King has always lent her voice to those who needed it. She has supported decisions, deemed ‘controversial’ by a few. King remains one of the biggest icons of tennis.