BLOG: Billie Jean King's Philadelphia Freedoms
By Lesley Van Arsdall
I recently had lunch with tennis legend Billie Jean King for my "Lunch with Lesley" series on CBS 3 .
She was in town promoting the upcoming season of The Philadelphia Freedoms, which she is part owner. It's a great way to see all of your favorite tennis stars like Venus Williams or John McEnroe.
She is truly one of the most amazing people I have ever met. She said she hates doing interviews because she feels it's boring talking about her life. This from a woman who won 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles as well as a record 20 titles at Wimbledon.
The first contract she ever singed was for $1, but became the first female athlete in any sport to earn more than $100,000 in a single season.
She then went on to lobby for equal prize money for men and women at the US Open, it took 34 years but it happened.
She was named one of the most important Americans of the 20th century by Life magazine. Oh... and that song "Philadelphia Freedom" Elton John (one of her closest friends) wrote that for her!
If you are interested the season starts July 6th, for more info CLICK HERE
