At this time in 1973 [posted late, so actually the anniversary was Wednesday], the so-called “Battle of the Sexes” played out – a highly hyped and oddly remembered match between female tennis star Billie Jean King and former male tennis star Bobby Riggs. It is “the talk of the town,” Wednesday being the 50th anniversary.
I think this match is quite an odd thing to celebrate as some grand victory for women. Yes, Billie Jean beat Bobby in three straight sets. She was a great tennis player. The “Battle of the Sexes” had many repercussions. However, judged solely as a tennis match, it really is a downer. King was 29 years old and at the top of her game. Riggs may have been one of the world’s best tennis players at one time. But on September 20, 1973, Bobby Riggs was a 55-year old out of shape “has been,” not well prepared, with a mouth bigger than his serve.
Now had Billie Jean beat an Arthur Ashe or a Björn Borg on or around that day, that would have been something! Bobby Riggs? Nah.
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