Bobby Riggs was a tennis player whose impact on the sport extended far beyond his on-court achievements. A former world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, Riggs is perhaps best remembered for his role in one of the most watched tennis matches in history - the "Battle of the Sexes."
Early Life and Tennis Career
Born on February 25, 1918, in Los Angeles, California, Robert Larimore Riggs showed promise in tennis from a young age. His professional career took off in the late 1930s and reached its peak in 1939 when he won the Wimbledon singles title, the U.S. National Championships (now the US Open), and was ranked World No. 1.
Grand Slam Success
Riggs's Grand Slam record was impressive:
- Wimbledon Singles Champion (1939)
- US National Championships/US Open Singles Champion (1939, 1941)
- US National Championships/US Open Doubles Champion (1942)
- US National Championships/US Open Mixed Doubles Champion (1940)
As noted during his induction at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, in Newport, where Riggs was inducted in 1967, he was known for his exceptional speed, court coverage, and tactical acumen.
The Hustler
After his playing career, Riggs became known as a hustler and gambler, often setting up elaborate tennis bets. His penchant for showmanship and controversy would set the stage for the most famous moment of his career.
Battle of the Sexes
In 1973, at the age of 55, Riggs thrust himself back into the spotlight by claiming that the women's game was inferior and that even at his age, he could beat any of the top female players. This led to two high-profile matches:
On May 13, 1973, Riggs faced Margaret Court, then the world's #1 female player, and won convincingly.
On September 20, 1973, in what became known as the "Battle of the Sexes," Riggs faced Billie Jean King in the Houston Astrodome. This match, watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide, ended with King's victory (6–4, 6–3, 6–3).
The match was a cultural phenomenon that transcended tennis, touching on themes of gender equality and societal roles.
Impact and Legacy
While Riggs lost the match to King, the event had a profound impact on tennis and women's sports in general:
It brought unprecedented attention to women's tennis.
It helped advance the cause of gender equality in sports.
It showcased tennis as a sport capable of capturing the public imagination.
After the "Battle of the Sexes," Riggs remained in the public eye, often appearing on television and continuing to play in senior tennis events. He maintained a friendship with Billie Jean King until his death in 1995.
Playing Style and Personality
Riggs was known for his cunning play and tactical brilliance on the court. Off the court, his larger-than-life personality, showmanship, and penchant for controversy made him a polarizing but always entertaining figure in the world of tennis.
Bobby Riggs's legacy in tennis is complex. While his Grand Slam achievements are impressive, it's his role in the "Battle of the Sexes" that has left the most lasting impact. This event, born out of Riggs's showmanship and controversial statements, inadvertently became a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality in sports.
Today, as we watch men and women compete for equal prize money at Grand Slams, we can trace part of that progress back to the spectacle Riggs helped create. His career serves as a reminder of tennis's power to reflect and influence broader societal issues, proving that sometimes, the impact of a tennis match can extend far beyond the court.