Billie Jean King (Twitter)
The 79-year-old Billie Jean King has been following the ongoing Fifa World Cup and often expressed her opinions regarding certain moments in the mega event.
Her home nation, the USA was placed in group B alongside the likes of Englan, Iran, and Wales. They managed to finish second in the group to progress to the knockouts of the world cup. In the round of 16, they faced the 2010 runner-up – the Netherlands, at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
The Dutchmen managed to win the match 3-1 to progress through to the quarterfinals. However, the USA showed great character and fought tooth and nail with a team that was stronger than them, at least on paper. The USA fired in 17 shots compared to 11 for France and had a ball possession of 59. They also played more passes and had more shots on goal compared to the Netherlands, but the result didn’t go in their favor.
Tennis great Billie Jean King took to Twitter and showered praises on the USA team for showing great fight and determination.
“To the @USMNT: you made us so proud. It was a tough loss today, but you battled until the end, and never gave up.”
In the same tweet, she also lauded the women’s team of the USA for winning the world cup on four occasions and showing what’s possible.
“To the@USWNT, who has won 4 World Cups: thank you for leading the way and showing what’s possible.”
The former world No. 1 Billie Jean King had an illustrious playing career that will go on to be celebrated till eternity.
She won as many as 39 Grand Slam titles during her career. 12 of them were in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.
Her first Grand Slam title win came at the women’s doubles event at the 1961 Wimbledon Championships. She teamed with compatriot Karen Hantze to defeat the team of Jan Lehane and Margaret Smith in the final in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.
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