From one current American icon to another: Pegula set to honor Billie Jean King with Battle of the Sexes themed US Open outfit

Monday, 21 August 2023 at 02:30

Jessica Pegula unveiled the attire she will be donning at the 2023 US Open, drawing inspiration from tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Pegula's ensemble stands out with its blue-toned jacket adorned with graceful white stripes, paired with a matching skirt and white sneakers accented with blue laces.

These elements pay homage to the iconic attire King sported during her historic "Battle of the Sexes" showdown against Bobby Riggs in 1973, a match etched in history that she triumphed in over three memorable sets.

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The symbolism of that showdown reverberated strongly in women's tennis, underscoring the quest for gender equality in the sport. The image of Pegula's outfit, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, August 19, sparked a flurry of reactions across social media:

"Jessica Pegula's outfit for the US Open 🔥. Both the jacket and the shoes are inspired by Billie Jean King's iconic looks over the years, celebrating 50 years since she won the Battle of the Sexes," the tweet read.

Bastien Fachan

@BastienFachan

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Jessica Pegula's outfit for the US Open 🔥 Both the jacket and the shoes are inspired by Billie Jean King's iconic looks over the years, celebrating 50 years since she won the Battle of the Sexes 📸 adidastennis/IG

5:33 PM · Aug 19, 2023

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In the "Battle of the Sexes," American trailblazer King set one of the most enduring precedents in sports, championing equality and equal prizes.

With her sights set on the upcoming US Open, the 29-year-old Pegula aims to surpass her previous quarterfinal achievement from last year. Throughout this season, she has showcased her prowess with a WTA 1000 title in Montreal and a runner-up finish in Doha's final.

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Nonetheless, the competition promises to be fierce, with notable contenders like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina vying for the prestigious title at Flushing Meadows.

Jessica Pegula's recent campaign at the 2023 Cincinnati Open came to an end in the third round, as she faced a two-set defeat at the hands of Marie Bouzkova. Merely a week after triumphing at the Canada Open, Pegula couldn't replicate her success in Ohio and retired following a resounding 4-6, 0-6 defeat.

WTA Communications

@WTA_Comms

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With Coco Gauff winning #CincyTennis and Jessica Pegula winning #OBN23, this is the first time since Cincinnati returned to the calendar in 2004 that Americans have swept Cincy and Canada.

7:46 PM · Aug 20, 2023

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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.

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