The Battle of the Sexes

The podcast examines the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, framing it within the broader context of the women's rights movement and the growing popularity of tennis. It highlights the wage disparity in professional tennis at the time, where men earned significantly more than women. Bobby Riggs, a former champion and self-proclaimed "male chauvinist pig," challenged Billie Jean King, a leading feminist activist and top-ranked player, to a televised match. Riggs's public persona and offensive statements generated hype, while King viewed the match as symbolic of women's rights. Despite the media circus, King defeated Riggs in straight sets, a victory seen as a significant moment for women's equality in sports.