Billie Jean King and Michelle Obama at the US Open in New York City on Aug. 28, 2023.Photo:CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Michelle Obamapaid tribute to tennis iconBillie Jean Kingin a speech at theUS Openas she attended with formerPresident Barack Obamain New York City on Monday night.
The former first lady honored King, 79, on the opening night of the tennis championship for the latter’s historical achievement in fighting for equal pay for women in tennis on the 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the US Open.
“We can either wait around and accept what we’re given. We can sit silently and hope someone else fights our battles. Or we can make our own stand,” Michelle continued. “We can use whatever platforms we have to speak out and fight to protect the progress we’ve made, and level the playing field for all of our daughters and their daughters.”
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Michelle Obama at the US Open in New York City on Aug. 28, 2023.CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
King had threatened not to play again a year prior, after she won the US Open and received $10,000 — $15,000 less than if a man won the same title. She rallied women players along with her to fight for equal pay and the following year, the US Open agreed to pay women the same as men in tournaments, becoming the first sporting event to do so.
After 34 years, all Grand Slam events have followed suit in paying men and women players equally. (This year, US Open winners will each receive a payment of $3 million.)
“Even today, there are far too manytournaments out there that still needto give equal pay to women,” Michelle continued in her speech Monday. “Let us remember all of this is far bigger than a champion’s paycheck — this is about how women are seen and valued in this world.”
“Sadly, we have seen how quickly progress like this can be taken away if we are not mindful and vigilant,” she added.
Billie Jean King at the US Open in New York City on Aug. 28, 2023.CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
King got up onstage following the former first lady’s tribute to share some wisdom to the players watching on in the Arthur Ashe Stadium arena.
“While we celebrate today, our work is far from done,” the sports legend said in her own speech, perABC News.
She then repeated a quote fromCoretta Scott King: " ‘Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and you win it in every generation.’ ”
Promising player in the tournament Gauff, 19, shared how she got to meet Michelle following her win at the US Open on Monday. The2022 French Open runner-uprecalled, per theAssociated Press, that theBecomingauthor “said it’s good to speak up for myself.”
“I think she was happy that I spoke up for myself today,” Gauff continued, as she referred to her calling out her opponent Siegmund for taking extra time between points to the chair umpire.
source: people.com
