Women and the US Open: 10 Moments That Changed the Game Forever
When the first U.S. Women’s National Championship was held in 1887 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, few could have predicted how far women’s tennis would go. Back then, the event was small, with limited coverage and no professional status. Players competed for prestige, not money, and the idea of gender equality in sports was virtually nonexistent. Yet this humble beginning laid the foundation for future champions to build upon.
When the US Open Led the Equality Charge
In 1973, the US Open became the first major tennis tournament to offer equal prize money to men and women. This landmark decision changed the sports world forever. While other tournaments lagged behind for decades, the US Open set the gold standard for equality, proving that progress is possible when leaders listen to players and fans.
Billie Jean King’s Game-Changing Stand
Billie Jean King didn’t just win titles—she fought for fairness. After winning the US Open in 1972 and discovering a $10,000 pay gap compared to the men’s champion, King threatened to boycott the event unless women were paid equally. Her bold stance paid off, and in 1973, equality became reality at the US Open. King’s activism extended beyond tennis, inspiring women in all sports to demand better.
The Birth of the Women’s Tennis Association
The US Open wasn’t the only battleground for equality. Billie Jean King also spearheaded the creation of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973, the same year equal prize money debuted at the Open. The WTA unified female players under one organization and gave them a collective voice. This move transformed tennis into a viable career for women and helped establish the sport as a major draw worldwide.
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova Define an Era
In the 1970s and ’80s, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova dominated the US Open, and captured the world’s attention. Their rivalry was legendary, with Evert’s baseline consistency and Navratilova’s power game creating some of the most thrilling matches in history. Together, they won 12 US Open singles titles, elevating women’s tennis to unprecedented popularity.
You may want to read: Ambassador responds to call by Evert and Navratilova to keep women’s tennis out of Saudi Arabia
Venus Williams and the Fight Beyond the Court
Decades after Billie Jean King’s breakthrough, Venus Williams picked up the torch. In the mid-2000s, she became a leading advocate for equal prize money at Wimbledon, arguing that the time for excuses was over. Her persistence paid off in 2007 when Wimbledon finally closed its gender pay gap. Venus proved that athletes can be champions both on the court and in the fight for justice.
Serena Williams Redefines Greatness
Serena Williams isn’t just one of the greatest US Open champions, she’s a cultural icon. With six singles titles and 23 Grand Slam wins overall, Serena dominated with unmatched power and confidence. She also challenged stereotypes about race, motherhood, and body image in sports, sparking vital conversations about representation and equality. Every time Serena stepped onto the court, she made history.
Coco Gauff Ushers in a New Generation
When Coco Gauff captured her first US Open title in 2023 at just 19 years old, the tennis world erupted in celebration. Gauff’s victory was more than a championship, it symbolized a new era of youthful energy, resilience, and activism. Known for her outspoken advocacy on social issues, Coco is proving that the next generation is ready to lead both on and off the court.
The US Open’s Global Impact on Women’s Sports
The ripple effect of equal pay at the US Open spread far beyond tennis. Other sports have since adopted similar standards, and women athletes across disciplines often credit Billie Jean King and the US Open for setting the precedent. Today, the tournament is not just a showcase of talent but a symbol of progress in gender equality.
Why Women at the US Open Still Matter
The fight for equality in sports isn’t over, but the US Open remains a beacon of hope and progress. Every year, the tournament celebrates not only incredible athleticism but also the courage and determination of women who refuse to accept less. From Billie Jean King to Coco Gauff, these champions remind us that the game isn’t just about winning—it’s about changing the world.
10 Princesses Who Don’t Need Saving
From The Brothers Grimm to Disney, princesses have always been painted as helpless damsels in distress who sit around waiting for their handsome savior. The reality is plenty of princesses throughout history up to modern times were fiercely independent, intelligent, and intrepid.
READ: 10 Princesses Who Don’t Need Saving
