Why compare Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King?

Billie Jean King was a pioneering figure in women's tennis, and was a rival of Martina Navratilova's during the 1970s and 1980s. King won 39 Grand Slam singles titles, including 12 Wimbledon titles and 6 US Open titles.

Martina Navratilova

Key numbers

  • Career singles titles167
  • Career doubles titles177
  • Grand Slam singles titles18
  • Grand Slam doubles titles31
  • Wimbledon singles titles9

Top honours

  • Wimbledon singles titles9 (1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990)
  • Grand Slam singles titles18
  • Grand Slam doubles titles31
  • WTA singles titles167
  • WTA doubles titles177
VS

Billie Jean King

Key numbers

  • Career singles record1124–262
  • Career singles titles129
  • Grand Slam singles titles12
  • Grand Slam doubles titles16
  • Grand Slam mixed doubles titles11

Top honours

  • International Tennis Hall of FameInducted in 1987
  • Presidential Medal of FreedomAwarded for her contributions to sports and social justice
  • BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement AwardReceived in 2018
  • Billie Jean King CupFed Cup renamed in her honor in 2020
  • French Legion of HonourAwarded in 2022