The Fed Cup is set to be renamed the Billie Jean King Cup after the tennis legend and founder of the WTA (Women's Tennis Association).
An honour befitting of King, a true tennis great winning 39 Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles; and she has long advocated for gender equality.
"It's very exciting. I'm still not sure it's true," said King."Then my mind always turns to what I want to accomplish - let's get going. It's really an honour and I'm very grateful."
"I remember the first Federation Cup in 1963," King added. I love history and I remember saying, 'We have to make it this year; we have to win the very first one, it's historical'. And [my team-mates] were like, 'OK, OK, already'.
"And we did win and it was really special. When I see the Fed Cup trophy today I look at the first one and I think about us. I remember how excited I was."
It is the first time that a major global team tournament has been named after a woman; and after being re branded, it will take place next April in Budapest.
ITF president David Haggerty called it a 'fitting tribute': "From playing the first Fed Cup as a member of the victorious US team in 1963; founding the WTA and becoming its first president, to being the first female athlete awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, Billie Jean King has never stopped breaking new ground."
"Today she adds another 'first' to that list. The new name is a fitting tribute to everything she has achieved and will provide a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of players and fans."
https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1306584706176225280?s=20
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mandoist19-11-2024 - 'Apologies', in cases like this where people are caught being their True Selves, are best shoved up their butts.mandoist19-11-2024
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