For Tennis Greats, the U.S. Open Is the Reunion That Can’t Be Missed

One of the most visible tennis legends at the United States Open has been Billie Jean King, for whom the tournament venue is named and who hasn’t competed in a Grand Slam event since 1983.

Late in what the Open bills as Fan Week, during qualifying rounds, King headlined a well-attended panel discussion for the first-ever Pride event on the tournament grounds, in conjunction with the King’s Leadership Initiative. Afterward, she posed for more selfies than any phone can hold.

On Monday, as the tournament opened, King was the star of a news conference to publicize the unveiling of a statue of Althea Gibson outside Arthur Ashe Stadium. That evening, she was the main speaker in the ceremonial tournament kickoff before the night program began.

Her pervasiveness was well planned.

“At the majors, it’s more and more of everything, so more people are focused on you, whatever you’re doing,” said King, who across the decades has championed women’s empowerment and gay rights. “It’s a great time for you to get your message out.”

Source: The New York Times

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Tennis • US Open (tennis) • Tennis • US Open (tennis) • Billie Jean King • NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament • Grand Slam (tennis) • Selfie • Althea Gibson • Arthur Ashe Stadium •