Here’s everything you need to know about the Adidas Battle of Sexes outfit inspired by Billie Jean King, endorsed by Jessica Pegula.

Adidas recently unveiled its latest FW23 New York lineup, which pays tribute to the athlete who paved the path for future generations. As part of this collection, Adidas has introduced the SST Jacket for both men and women, along with a refreshed version of the Avacourt.

These two pieces prominently feature a vibrant blue shade, reminiscent of the attire worn by Billie Jean King during the historic Battle of the Sexes match. This distinctive blue tone serves as a consistent theme throughout the collection. The SST Jacket draws inspiration from the timeless Adidas tennis tracksuits of the era when Billie Jean King was making a significant impact in tennis, both on and off the court. Her influence continues to resonate for years to come.

Battle of the Sexes outfit
Battle of the Sexes outfit

The debut of this collection took place at the world’s most prestigious hard-court tournament, where prominent athletes such as Xinyu Wang, Dana Mathewson, Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari, Elina Svitolina, Karolína Muchová, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger Aliassime, and Martin de la Puente proudly sported the new apparel.

The SST Jacket, priced at €75 / $80, showcases a Team Royal Blue color option and is offered in sizes ranging from 2XS to 2XL. Similarly, the blue Avacourt shoe, priced at €150 / $150, features the Team Royal Blue color and is available in UK sizes 3.5 to 10. Interested buyers can purchase both items via adidas.com and the adidas app.

What is the significance of the “Battle of Sexes” match for women in sports?

The “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match took place on September 20, 1973, between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Billie Jean King was a prominent female tennis player, and Bobby Riggs was a retired male tennis player. Riggs, known for his chauvinistic statements about women’s tennis, challenged King to a match to prove that even at the age of 55, he could defeat a top female player. The event had a profound impact on public perception and the women’s liberation movement, highlighting the importance of gender equality in sports and other aspects of society.

Billie Jean king cup
Billie Jean King

The match was played at the Houston Astrodome in Texas and attracted a significant amount of media attention. Billie Jean King won the match in straight sets, with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. Her victory was seen as a pivotal moment for women’s sports and gender equality, as it showcased that female athletes could compete at a high level and prevail against male opponents.

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