Article by David Istrate – published on Sunday, June 29, 2025 23:38 / Updated Sunday, June 29, 2025 23:3
Billie Jean King (81 years old), a tennis legend, gave an interview for the British press in which he criticized Wimbledon traditions and made some interesting proposals for the sport to produce more money.
Billie Jean King, Winner of 12 Grand Slam titles at simple, 16 to double and 11 to mixed doublehas a long history with Wimbledon, the third great grin tournament of the year. Americanca first awarded her trophy in London in 1961, at a mixed doubles, and in total she won Wimbledon 20 times.
Billie Jean King supports the change of traditions: “You should not have the same uniforms”
Despite this remarkable performance, King is not a fan of Wimbledon traditions, like athletes must be dressed in complete white.
“It's a match, you sit, look, say, on TV … Who's who? Tennis people say “Well, the sign is near their name.” I shouldn't look at a sign, I shouldn't look at anything. I should know [cine e cine]. My sport takes me out of jumps”, Said the former tennis player for The Telegraph.
“They should not have the same uniforms. We both wear white. You can change the tradition,” she added.
King also suggested that players and tennis players wear t -shirts with names and number on the back, being convinced that such a decision would bring millions of dollars for both tournaments and athletes.
“I would sell t -shirts with their names on my back so that they make money, the tournament to produce money and everyone to make money. We lose millions and millions because of that. The numbers are very important! Children love numbers and they can withdraw – as in the case of Federer. It's so obvious. Take what the other sports do and what people like in other sports, ”explained Billie Jean King.
Billie Jean King, revolutionary ideas in tennis: “I would change the score at 1, 2, 3, 4”
It is not for the first time that King has revolutionary tennis transformation ideas. In a discussion with journalists present at Malagafor the final tournament of Billie Jean King Cup 2024, the great champion said he would change the score and that he did not understand why, during the points, the public must make peace.
Our sport must clarify things, make their lives easier. I would change the score to 1, 2, 3, 4. Let's get rid of 15, 30, 40. I mean, I am a child and my coach tells me, “I will teach you how to keep the score,” and I think it is the most stupid thing I have ever heard.
We are the least hospitable sport, to know. We say to our fans: “Come and silence.” I think he should be able to scream, speak, climb and descend. The players are funny when they say, “Oh, I see someone moving.” Well, you shouldn't look up there. Look at the ball!
It's our job as professional athletes. We are entertainers, which I don't think many of them understand. And it's not about them. It's about fans. It's about people. To take care of them. When I get on the ground, that is my scene, like a theater, and my job is to make them happy fans
– Billie Jean King
This year's Wimbledon edition will take place in The period June 30 – July 13.
