Quotes by Billie Jean King

About Billie Jean King:

Billie Jean King is an American former World No. 1 professional tennis player. King won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles, 16 women's doubles, and 11 mixed doubles titles. King won the singles title at the inaugural WTA Tour Championships. King often represented the United States in the Federation Cup and the Wightman Cup. She was a member of the victorious United States team in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. For three years, King was the United States' captain in the Federation Cup.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Everyone has people in their lives that are gay, lesbian or transgender or bisexual. They may not want to admit it, but I guarantee they know somebody.

Billie Jean King

I think younger players probably just think they are who they are-they don't think about coming out. Unless you're number one in the world, nobody cares, usually.

Billie Jean King

I used to be told if I talked about my sexuality in any way that we wouldn't have a tennis tour.

Billie Jean King

In 1973, a woman could not get a credit card without her husband or father or a male signing off on it.

Billie Jean King

It's just really important that we start celebrating our differences. Let's start tolerating first, but then we need to celebrate our differences.

Billie Jean King

No one changes the world who isn't obsessed.

Billie Jean King

At 62 you want to keep moving; that's important.

Billie Jean King

Victory is fleeting. Losing is forever.

Billie Jean King

The main thing is to care. Care very hard, even if it is only a game you are playing.

Billie Jean King

I will tell you King's First Law of Recognition: You never get it when you want it, and then when it comes, you get too much.

Billie Jean King

I didn't really care if I had a coach that much, me personally, because I was brought up to think for myself.

Billie Jean King

I was always in the tennis business-from 1968. I was in tournaments and also on World Team Tennis teams as well.

Billie Jean King

When I was outed, it was like, That's done.

Billie Jean King

I have a lot to say, and if I'm not No. 1, I can't say it.

Billie Jean King

It's fun to meet people from throughout the world who you don't have to explain yourself to.

Billie Jean King

Martina's gone with people who don't want to be out, and it drives her crazy because she'd rather be open.

Billie Jean King

Tennis taught me so many lessons in life. One of the things it taught me is that every ball that comes to me, I have to make a decision. I have to accept responsibility for the consequences every time I hit a ball.

Billie Jean King

A girl didn't get an athletic scholarship until the fall of 1972 for the very first time.

Billie Jean King

I would just never out anybody. I think everyone has to find it in their own way and their own time.

Billie Jean King

That is where the power, opportunity, and choice come from-when you have money. Money equals opportunity. There is no question.

Billie Jean King

If your partner wants to be private, you have to respect that.

Billie Jean King

Author Bio

  • NameBillie Jean King
  • DescriptionAmerican tennis player
  • BornNovember 22, 1943
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionTennis Player; Tennis Coach
  • AwardsPresidential Medal Of Freedom; Arthur Ashe Courage Award; National Women's Hall Of Fame