All-time WTA legend honoured with sporting legacy award
A great of the WTA who won an incredible 39 Slam titles across all disciplines was recognised for her impact spanning more than six decades.
Billie Jean King claimed 12 singles Slam titles over her career to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Moreover, she won 27 more Majors in doubles and mixed doubles, completing the Career Grand Slam in the latter too.
She won seven Fed Cups as a player and four as USA captain, and has had the new format of the event named after her from 2021.
Perhaps most significantly, King founded the WTA back in 1973, a move that reshaped the future of the sport forever.
At this week’s Sports Illustrated Awards, King was bestowed with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award in recognition of her incredible career on and off the court.
“Last night was a night to remember at the Sports Illustrated Awards,” King tweeted.
“I was honoured to receive the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. And as far as my legacy is concerned, I’m not done yet!”
Sports Illustrated describes the award as “celebrating an individual whose dedication to the ideals of sportsmanship has spanned decades and whose career in athletics has impacted the world.”
Last night was a night to remember at the Sports Illustrated Awards.
I was honored to receive the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.
And as far as my legacy is concerned, I’m not done yet! ?#SIAwards pic.twitter.com/Gn8g5C8fgL
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 9, 2021
Besides receiving the honour, King enjoyed time mingling with top WTA pros, including 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez and 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens.
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