Serena Williams, Billie Jean King make appearance during Super Bowl event

Several sportswoman were featured during the 56th edition of the Super Bowl, with Serena Williams and Billie Jean King representing the professional tennis circuit.

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, took part in a Michelob Ultra commercial, alongside other sporting legends like retired NFL star Peyton Manning, US Soccer player Alex Morgan and NBA superstar Jimmy Butler.

King, who has long been a pioneer for equality and social justice, conducted the coin toss before the match began. She did so alongside the honorary coin toss captains, selected from a number of local community sport initiatives. The 12-time Grand Slam champion was chosen for the coin toss to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which provides equal funding for men and women at high schools, colleges and universities.

“It is an honor to stand with these outstanding student athletes and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX on one of the world’s biggest stages,” King said in a statement.

“It’s hard to understand inclusion until you have been excluded, and I am proud to be part of this year’s Super Bowl coin toss and the NFL’s commitment to bring us together and make us stronger.”

Before conducting the coin toss, King narrated a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of Title IX and highlighted the impact the legislation has made on the landscape of education and sport.

“Billie Jean King is a trailblazer who set in motion transcendent changes that led to the betterment of sports and society,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

“Her inspiring drive for gender equality and equal access to opportunity has benefited generations, and her legacy continues through the football players that will surround her on Sunday, proving that football is truly for everyone.”