"I think it should be 1-2-3-4": Billie Jean King continues to advocate for tennis rules revamp for younger audience
WTA
Former world number one Billie Jean King has once again
advocated for some changes in tennis. The 80-year-old is often regarded as one
of the greatest players in the history of women’s tennis. She finished her career
after winning 12 Grand Slams in the singles category.
Because of her achievements on the tennis court, a
competition has been named after her as well. The California-born legendary
tennis star has recently advocated for a change in tennis rules. She believes
that the points system should be simpler and players should have their names on
the back of their shirts.
Read also
“I cannot stand the scoring,” she said back in September in
a social media post. “I think it's hard to get new people into the sport,
particularly young people. I think we should get rid of the 15, 30, 40 game. We
should have 1, 2, 3, 4. If you have to win by two, then at three all do two
points in a row or whatever but get rid of 15, 30, 40. Every player should have
their name and a number on. Why? We need to promote our players like every
other sport does.”
Read also
King has once again advocated the same in an interview with
the BBC. The former world number one was of the opinion that she wants these
rules to be changed to make it more interesting for the viewers. "I would
like to see names and numbers on the back of the shirt in tennis," she
said. "I want to make it easy for fans. I think it should be 1-2-3-4 not
15-love, 30-love. If you are a kid - I didn't come from tennis - what the heck
does that mean? If we want to get eight, nine, 10, 11, 12-year-old children
involved in our sport we have to make it accessible to them - not to a
60-year-old fan."
People ask me all the time about the future of the game we all love, and what, if anything, I would change about it if I could.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 18, 2024
So, here are my thoughts. Some of these may surprise you. pic.twitter.com/B2rHbJG7uB
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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