The story of the Original 9 might be unfamiliar to the younger tennis fans but the importance of their actions are forever relevant. Led by the legendary Billie Jean King the Original 9 risked their careers, separating themselves from the tennis establishment, to fight for equal rights with their male counterparts.
King, along with Peaches Bartkowicz, Rosie Casals, Julie Heldman, Kristy Pigeon, Nancy Richey, Valerie Ziegenfuss, Judy Dalton and Kerry Melville Reid were recognized as the first group to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. During the inductions speech, King said:
"The nine of us, along with our fearless leader Gladys Heldman, had one vision for the future of women's tennis. We wanted any girl in the world, if she was good enough, would have a place to compete, to be recognized for her accomplishments, not only her looks, and most importantly, to be able to make a living playing professional tennis."
Alongside the Original 9, Conchita Martinez was also inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame. The Spanish player achieved her greatest achievement in 1994 when she won Wimbledon.
Wonderful to spend time with 6 of the #Original9 today @TennisHalloFame, ahead of tomorrow’s induction ceremony. Cheers to you, Peaches Barkowicz, Rosie Casals, Julie Heldman, Kristy Pigeon, Kerry Melville Reid, & Valerie Ziegenfuss. 📷: Tennis Hall of Fame #Original9
