The story of gender equality in tennis is closely associated with the famous "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which took place on September 20, 1973. This historic event was a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality in sports.

Billie Jean King, born in 1943, was a highly accomplished tennis player, having won numerous Grand Slam titles and establishing herself as one of the top female players of her time. However, despite her achievements, women's tennis was often overshadowed by the men's game, and female players were paid significantly less than their male counterparts. On the other hand, Bobby Riggs was a retired male tennis player and a self-proclaimed chauvinist who argued that even at the age of 55, he could still beat any female player. He challenged and defeated Margaret Court, a top-ranked female player, earlier in 1973, further fueling the debate about gender equality in tennis.

Billie Jean King, seeing the opportunity to promote gender equality and dispel the notion of male superiority in sports, accepted Riggs's challenge. The match was widely publicized and became a cultural phenomenon, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch. On the day of the match, held at the Houston Astrodome, King emerged victorious, defeating Riggs in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. This victory was a symbolic triumph for women's tennis and gender equality in sports. It showcased that female athletes were just as capable as male athletes and deserved equal recognition and opportunities.

Billie Jean King's win over Bobby Riggs had a profound impact on women's tennis and sports in general. It not only helped increase the visibility and popularity of women's tennis but also played a significant role in pushing for equal prize money and opportunities for female athletes. This match is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the history of gender equality in sports, and Billie Jean King remains an iconic figure in the ongoing fight for equal rights for female athletes.