Former tennis player, Billie Jean King took to Twitter and posted her reaction after Brittney Griner was released from Russian detention.
American basketball star, Brittney Grinner was held captive 10 months ago on charges of drug smuggling. The incident coincided with Russia’s deteriorating relationship with the USA following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
After 10 months, Griner will return home. American President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that they are bringing Griner home for the convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Legendary tennis player, Billie Jean King expressed her excitement after the 32-year-old basketball star was freed from prison. King also lauded Mr. Biden for his efforts to bring Griner home. In a tweet, King wrote:
“Brittney Griner is free!
After 294 days in Russian captivity, @POTUS negotiated a “one-for-one” prisoner swap.
Thank you to President Biden, and to all those who worked so hard to secure her freedom.”
According to a joint UAE-Saudi statement, mediation involving The United Arab Emirates president and Saudi crown prince led the release of the US basketball star.
The 79-year-old Billie Jean King is an inspiration for many female players who have transformed the women’s game over the years.
In her career, King won a total of 12 Grand Slam singles titles. The former world No. 1 bagged 16 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles and 11 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.
King won her last Grand Slam title at the women’s doubles event at the 1980 US Open. She teamed with fellow American legend Martina Navratilova and defeated the team of Pam Shriver and Betty Stove.
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