Billie Jean King - Civic Leadership and Sports Innovation

Watch a captivating hour-long interview with tennis legend Billie Jean King as she receives the 2011 Preston Robert Tisch Award in Civic Leadership from The Aspen Institute. Moderated by USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan, explore King's groundbreaking career and her profound impact on sports and social change. Discover how King's 39 Grand Slam titles, including 20 at Wimbledon, led to her recognition as one of the "100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century" by Life Magazine. Learn about her pivotal role in establishing women's professional tennis, founding the Women's Sports Foundation, and co-founding World Team Tennis. Gain insights into the historic "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs and its significance for the women's movement. Understand the lasting impact of King's contributions, evidenced by the renaming of the U.S. Open venue to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Delve into her numerous accolades, including her appointment as a UNESCO Global Mentor for Gender Equality, her receipt of the NCAA President's Gerald R. Ford Award, and her honored status as a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.