All photos by Kate Whitney Lucey.
Hall of Famers Rosie Casals and Owen Davidson.
|
Casals paid tribute to her friend, saying, “We shared times together on and off the court fighting for equal prize money and recognition for women’s tennis, establishing the Virginia Slims tour and the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973. We were in our prime and they were exciting times to share with you, but most importantly I’m happy we were able to share a special friendship that has remained constant and has endured the passing of time. Those who have come to know you value that friendship as I do. You have made a difference in the lives you’ve touched and the things you’ve done. I am one of those recipients. That’s the person I would like people to know and to share with everybody, to celebrate, in addition to all of your accomplishments, your tennis career, and as an advocate for women and social change.
Hall of Famers Peachy Kellmeyer, Billie Jean King, Pam Shriver.
|
Davidson drew laughter from the crowd, recounting how, in 1973, he was paired up with King in mixed doubles at a particularly rainy Wimbledon. King won the singles and doubles titles on Saturday, but as a result of the weather, they were still due to play their quarterfinal mixed doubles match. Davidson shared with the crowd how he was sitting in the locker room awaiting the call that she had to withdraw due to fatigue, only to get a call beckoning him to the court quickly so they could start the match. Together, they defeated Jan Kodes and Martina Navratilova that day, going on to play semis and finals the next day, and ultimately winning the title.
Billie Jean King’s Hall of Fame Ring Ceremony >> |
King accepted the ring stating that it was wonderful to be back at the Hall of Fame, and offering her congratulations to the new inductees. She spent some time talking through the highlights of her career in a question and answer session that the crowd enjoyed. Also during her visit to Newport, King had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Billie Jean King toured the new museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame today.
|
Hall of Famers Peachy Kellmeyer, Billie Jean King, Pam Shriver, Nancy Jeffett.
|