A tennis champion who famously played against Billie Jean King in the "Battle of the Sexes" match, which became a symbol of gender equality in sports.
Bobby Riggs was a tennis champion like no other, known for his unapologetic bravado and unorthodox playing style that propelled him to the top of the tennis world in the 1940s. He was the world No. 1 amateur in 1939 and world No. 1 professional in 1946 and 1947, and his on-court antics and off-court escapades continue to fascinate tennis enthusiasts to this day.
Born on February 25, 1918, in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, Riggs was the youngest of six children to Agnes Jones and Gideon Wright Riggs, a minister. He began playing tennis at the age of 12 and quickly fell in love with the game, thanks in part to the guidance of Esther Bartosh, a renowned tennis coach who recognized his talent and nurtured it.
Riggs' junior career was nothing short of phenomenal, with the young tennis prodigy winning boys' and juniors' tournaments with ease. His exceptional speed and ball control earned him a reputation as a force to be reckoned with, and he soon caught the attention of tennis officials and spectators alike.
In 1939, Riggs' tennis career reached new heights when he won the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. National Championships (now the U.S. Open), and finished runner-up at the French Championships. This impressive performance cemented his status as a tennis great, and he went on to win numerous championships throughout the 1940s.
Riggs' success extended beyond singles, as he also excelled in doubles, winning the Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles titles at the 1939 Wimbledon Championships. His impressive resume earned him the admiration of his peers and the adoration of the tennis community.
After retiring from professional tennis, Riggs became notorious for his love of hustling and gambling. He organized numerous exhibition challenges, pitting himself against top-ranked players, both active and retired. These high-stakes matches often drew massive crowds and attention, further solidifying Riggs' reputation as a tennis maverick.
In 1973, Riggs, then 55 years old, orchestrated one of the most infamous tennis matches in history: the "Battle of the Sexes." He faced off against Margaret Smith Court, the No. 1-ranked woman player, and went on to win the match. However, it was his subsequent match against Billie Jean King, the then-current women's champion, that sparked a global frenzy. The primetime match, won by King, drew an estimated 100,000 spectators and remains one of the most famous tennis events of all time.
Riggs' unapologetic confidence and rejection of traditional tennis etiquette often led to controversy, but he remained unapologetic about his approach to the game. He believed that tennis should be a spectacle, a form of entertainment that transcended the boundaries of the court. This philosophy, while divisive, continues to resonate with tennis enthusiasts who crave excitement and drama.
Bobby Riggs' legacy extends far beyond his impressive tennis resume. He revolutionized the sport by introducing an element of showmanship, which has since become an integral part of tennis culture. His influence can be seen in modern tennis players who, like Riggs, blend athleticism with entertainment.
Riggs' impact on tennis cannot be overstated. He challenged the status quo, pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable, and redefined the sport as we know it today. Despite his controversies, his contributions to tennis are undeniable, and his place in the pantheon of tennis greats is secure.
Bobby Riggs may have been a divisive figure, but his influence on tennis is undeniable. His unapologetic bravado, unorthodox playing style, and commitment to entertainment redefined the sport and cemented his place in tennis history.
82 Years Old
A trailblazing tennis champion who shattered gender barriers and advocated for women's rights, winning 39 Grand Slam titles and inspiring generations of athletes.
83 Years Old
Australian tennis legend and minister, winner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 11 Australian Open titles, and a pioneer for women's tennis.
71 Years Old
A tennis legend and coach who dominated the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, winning 157 singles titles, including 18 Grand Slam championships. Known for her precise playing style and iconic rivalry with Martina Navratilova.
69 Years Old
A tennis legend and pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, known for her record-breaking 167 singles titles and fearless activism on and off the court.
67 Years Old
A tennis legend and outspoken commentator, known for his fiery temper and iconic matches, as well as his current work as a TV analyst and broadcaster.
73 Years Old
A tennis legend who won eight Grand Slam singles titles and was known for his fiery competitiveness and dominant playing style. He later became a successful coach and sportscaster.
87 Years Old
A tennis legend and 11-time Grand Slam champion, known for his dominant playing style and coaching prowess, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
82 Years Old
A pioneering tennis player and social activist who broke racial barriers in sports and advocated for HIV awareness after being diagnosed with the disease.
