Memories of BJK

[dkmura]

With all the talk at the 2023 USO honoring Billy Jean King, it brought back memories of her competing in the Virginia Slims tour back in the 70's. Back then, the women had to play where a promoter found a venue. And in Denver, Colorado, that was the outdoor hard courts at my high school. They set up stands and the stars of that day probably dressed in the same locker rooms students used. Regardless, BJK was the star and it was clear she had every shot in the book. Topspin off both wings and while her net game was dynamic, it was her underspin approach shots that were immaculate. I knew Bobby Riggs wasn't going to do much with THAT during their famous match that was a few years away.

Towards the end of the first set, I vividly remember a delay when some spectators started filing out in the middle of a game. Rather than the umpire chastising them for a lack of tennis decorum in causing a delay, BJK took a brief pause and smiled as she yelled after them: "Y'all come back, hear?" Her clear, friendly voice trailed those spectators out of the stadium, and just as clear was BJK's determination to make women's tennis a success. I loved the way she handled that!

Later in 1974, I saw BJK again when she came to play World Team Tennis against the Denver Racquets. Even though her Philly Freedoms were the Eastern Conference champs, they were upset in the finals by a determined Denver team. Still, to see BJK as a player in her prime while building her legacy was something special to witness.

 

[BTURNER]

When she really wanted a match or title, BJK was an implaccable force of nature. Her only real weakness in her arsonal was an inconsistent, somewhat erratic forehand. On the other side of the equation was arguably the smartest tactician the sport saw in her generation. She understood more about her opponent, the tennis ball, the net, and the court and conditions that impact the aforementioned, than the rest of us armchair strategists and coaches will dream of learning.

 

[dkmura]

When she really wanted a match or title, BJK was an implaccable force of nature. Her only real weakness in her arsonal was an inconsistent, somewhat erratic forehand. On the other side of the equation was arguably the smartest tactician the sport saw in her generation. She understood more about her opponent, the tennis ball, the net, and the court and conditions that impact the aforementioned, than the rest of us armchair strategists and coaches will dream of learning.

Good points on BJK's FH and tactics. But like several top players even her forehand could be a weapon if she was on. The Riggs match was a good example. Billie passed with topspin at will and refused to wilt. BJK seemed to offer coaching tips to many young players as they came up. But to my knowledge, never accepted any money, except when she was Fed Cup captain.

 

[BTURNER]

Good points on BJK's FH and tactics. But like several top players even her forehand could be a weapon if she was on. The Riggs match was a good example. Billie passed with topspin at will and refused to wilt. BJK seemed to offer coaching tips to many young players as they came up. But to my knowledge, never accepted and money except when she was Fed Cup captain.

Not to mention those impeccable volleys and overheads. She was only 5'5" but she smashed like she was 5'9". She always seemed on balance and in perfect position.