Billie Jean King questions Roger Federer over a decision she believes he should make
Tennis NewsSunday, 13 September 2026 at 23:30
Billie Jean King has questioned whether Roger Federer has done enough to support equality in tennis, arguing that the 20-time Grand Slam champion has the influence to take a stronger position. King, one of the most important advocates for equal prize money in tennis, made the comments while discussing the Swiss legend's approach to the issue.
Federer was back in the spotlight at the 2026 US Open after playing an exhibition set against Andy Roddick and partnering John McEnroe in doubles. He was also inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport on August 29, adding another major honor to his remarkable career.
King, who founded the WTA and defeated Bobby Riggs in the famous 1973 Battle of the Sexes, has spent much of her career challenging the established order in tennis. Her criticism of Federer is therefore particularly notable given his status as one of the sport's most influential former players.
The American does not believe Federer opposes equal prize money. Instead, she appears frustrated that he has not been more willing to actively push the issue, particularly given the platform he has built throughout his career.
King wants Federer to do more
Speaking to Racquet, King pointed to Federer's family while explaining why she believes the Swiss could be a stronger advocate for equality. “I wish he would fight for equality more because I keep saying, ‘You have two boys and two girls! You have equality in your household!’”
King then suggested that Federer has never been particularly interested in challenging the status quo, contrasting his approach with the kind of activism that defined much of her own career. “You think he’d ever do anything to rock the boat? He doesn’t want to. I’d want to make money, too.”
Her comments come despite Federer having previously expressed support for equal prize money. During the 2016 Miami Open, he made clear that he backed the principle while also arguing that different tournaments had different histories and circumstances.
“I’m all for equal prize money. But then you have to look at the history of each and every event, where it came from. Some tournaments were a men’s tournament, then the women joined or vice versa, it was a women’s tournament and we joined them.”
Federer also pointed to his own efforts to increase prize money at the Grand Slam level, saying he understood that such changes would benefit both tours.
“When I was fighting for prize money increases, especially at the Slam level. I was always very aware of the fact that it was always going to impact the women’s game, which I was very happy about. Both at the same time were growing.”
Read also
King's criticism, therefore, is not that Federer has opposed equality. Instead, she wants one of tennis's biggest names to be more forceful in fighting for it.
For someone who spent decades challenging the sport's establishment herself, King appears to believe that Federer has the influence to make a bigger impact — even if doing so means being willing to “rock the boat.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- "This of course a stark change to Rybakina who is obviously more timid..." That just may be the dumbest thing ever written about Lena. For a CCO, Mr. Gill seems to have either made an error in judgement -- or needed filler for this article -- to say something so ridiculous.
mandoist13-09-2026 - “The way I like to put it – no disrespect to anybody – is that this is her house, and all the other girls are just guests, and it’s time for them to go home” Well now... seems John Stacy has made a complete ass of himself. Doubt he'll be receiving any invitations to Lena's "house" any time soon.mandoist13-09-2026
- I am sorry, but Sabalenka has NO EXCUSE for her despicable behaviour. She lacks self and mouth control! The message is being sent but Saba isn't getting it! She is full of arrogance and pride. Hopefully, after this defeat she will be on the way to becoming a humble lady LIKE ELENA! I hope she never regains the world No. 1 until she develops some humility.Rapunzel13-09-2026
- Sabalenka began showing signs of her game gradually 'changing' since last season. I predicted her fascination with posting endless Selfies, participating in commercial media distractions and constant Social Media nonsense could impact her in a negative way. Her off-court Life was sure to interfere with her performace level. Visions of Raducanu, Giorgi, Bouchard come to mind. The Final yesterday was a weird case of polar-opposites. Sabalenka and Rybakina could not be any more different in personalities! Saba often portrays a somewhat fake persona, including her Phony Screaming. Her usual habit of acting like the nice girl with a sense of humor is a misconception. People take her lack of intellect as "cute" and "funny". So anyway... yesterday viewers witnessed that Fake Scream be reduced to a whimper and sometimes no vocal gymnastics at all once she knew the jig was up. We all saw her look into the camera post-match and say "F... You". Also, pretty hard to not see Saba making untoward facial expressions, rolling her eyes, etc., behind Rybakina while on the podium. Elena Rybakina, on the other hand, was her usual 'in-control' self as she spoke clearly and calmly, without making faces nor any ill-will toward anyone = 100% Class Act. Lena appeared more than aware of Saba's sour attitude and made a point of not looking in her direction most of the time. FWIW: I have never -- not ever -- heard Sabalenka make any sounds on practice courts. So it is indeed a nonsensical ruse as she thinks (incorrectly) it affects opponents. It does not. In fact, as was the case yesterday, I saw Lena occasionally take a side-eye glance at Saba on her way to the bench... as if to calculate her emotions. Saba is actually a very easy 'read'.mandoist13-09-2026
- WTA really, really hates this sort of thing. They surely are satisfied to make believe no such thing happens (or happened).mandoist13-09-2026
- WTA and ATP cannot even make their dope testing equal and precise across the board. They sure as hell cannot escape a stituation they themselves made over the ridiculous "penalty" of omitting a player's country flag. Nothing regarding which flags to display (or not) should be a Thing. It proves nothing; solves nothing. If anything, all it did was cause stress, tension, and even outbursts between players in the WTA locker room. Let's not even start with the asinine practice of not shaking hands at the net with "the enemy". There seems to be a general lack of intelligence behind Pro Tennis administrations' Closed Doors. .mandoist13-09-2026
- Big Babe Tennis! Hoping for a good final.DaveyWavey12-09-2026
- Director needs to return to his old "job" at the Australia Open. He's clueless in NYC.mandoist12-09-2026
- You keep writing ridiculous crap... why are you even watching tennis?mandoist12-09-2026
- They probably have a very good reason for this. I do not get it. Annoying that it finishes so late
AceOfBase12-09-2026
Loading