New York, Aug 28 (AP) - Life on the professional tennis circuit can be arduous and demanding. Billie Jean King, a legend in the sport, is well-acquainted with its challenges and is eager to impart her wisdom.
Two days before the singles competition of the U.S. Open begins, King gathered at Arthur Ashe Stadium with 16 aspiring female players.In proximity to the tournament's premier court, they shared stories, engaged in discussions, and heeded King’s invaluable advice.
This gathering is part of the annual Billie Jean King Power Hour, a tradition that has been held discreetly in New York for 28 years.
King, a trailblazer who achieved equal pay for women at the U.S. Open in 1973, spearheads this gathering."My role is to observe and discern: What do they need? What do they want? What will assist them in their careers and personal lives, not just in tennis," King remarked during an interview on Wednesday.
Every year, she engages with a new group of players; this year, she was accompanied by WTA veterans Ilana Kloss, Leslie Allen, and Shelby Rogers.
King incorporates a touch of history, explains the WTA's health services in detail — "We want them to utilize these services daily," she emphasized — and urges the players to continue expanding the sport."She told us that it's now our generation's responsibility to follow her lead and excel further," said Moyuka Uchijima from Japan, one of the participants last Friday. "Learning about the history was enlightening. I'm deeply appreciative of her contributions."
Loïs Boisson, a surprise semifinalist at the French Open in June, also attended this year’s meeting with King at the U.S. Open.
"I certainly learned a lot," Boisson mentioned."She fights relentlessly for her beliefs and equality. She has greatly impacted tennis."
King hopes these sessions perpetuate the exchange of knowledge she once received during her illustrious career.
"I have a profound passion for history. Meeting past champions enriched me greatly," she shared.Margaret duPont, a dominant American player who clinched 37 major titles between the 1940s and 50s, taught King about patience and advised her to rest the racket in her left hand during breaks.
Alice Marble, another American luminary with 18 major titles from the 1930s, spent weekends coaching King for two months to enhance her game.
King remembers every detail vividly."Tennis has rewarded me immensely," she expressed. "My love for tennis is boundless, and I aspire for it to flourish with every generation." (AP) APA APA
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