Bobby Riggs, a prominent figure in tennis history, is perhaps best remembered for his role in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" matches. However, Riggs was more than just an opponent for Billie Jean King and Margaret Court; he was a self-proclaimed tennis "hustler" and master promoter with a career spanning decades. His persona as a chauvinistic showman, combined with his genuine tennis prowess from an earlier era, set the stage for some of the most
talked-about events in sports history. Riggs's motivations were a blend of financial gain, a desire for the spotlight, and a genuine belief in the superiority of men's tennis.
A Career of Hustle and Grand Slam Titles
Before his 1973 exhibition matches, Bobby Riggs had a distinguished career in professional tennis. He was a top men's player in the 1930s and 1940s, competing in both amateur and professional ranks. Riggs won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1939 and was considered the World No. 1 male tennis player for 1941, 1946, and 1947. His success on the court established him as a formidable player, giving credibility to his later claims, however controversial, about his ability to beat top female players even in his fifties.After retiring from the professional circuit, Riggs transitioned into a role as a tennis "hustler," engaging in promotional challenge matches. This phase of his career showcased his talent for self-promotion and his understanding of how to generate public interest. He was known for placing bets on his own matches and creating spectacles, a trait that would become central to the "Battle of the Sexes" events. His history as a champion and a showman laid the groundwork for the massive publicity surrounding his challenges to female tennis stars.
The Challenge to Women's Tennis
In 1973, at the age of 55, Bobby Riggs publicly declared that the women's game was so inferior to the men's game that even he, at his age, could defeat the current top female players. This provocative claim was not merely a boast; it was a calculated move to generate interest and secure lucrative exhibition matches. He initially challenged Billie Jean King, who declined, viewing it as a "fatuous gimmick." However, Margaret Court, then the World No. 1 female player, accepted his offer, which included a guaranteed $20,000, a sum greater than her winnings from the 1973 Australian and French Open women's singles titles.The match between Riggs and Court, dubbed the "Mother's Day Massacre," took place on May 13, 1973. Riggs employed a strategic game of drop shots and lobs, keeping Court off balance and securing an easy 6–2, 6–1 victory. This win propelled Riggs into the national spotlight, landing him on the covers of *Sports Illustrated* and *Time* magazines. His triumph over Court intensified his taunts towards all female tennis players, creating an environment where Billie Jean King felt she had no choice but to accept his subsequent challenge.
The Showman's Grand Finale
For the "Battle of the Sexes" against Billie Jean King, Riggs fully embraced his showman persona. His entrance at the Houston Astrodome was a spectacle, arriving in a rickshaw drawn by models. He presented King with a giant Sugar Daddy lollipop, further playing into his chauvinistic image. Riggs also wore a yellow Sugar Daddy jacket during the match for a $50,000 fee, though he removed it after three games. Beyond the $100,000 winner-takes-all prize, Riggs had placed numerous bets on the match and invested money in it, indicating his deep engagement with the financial aspects of the event.Despite his theatrical antics and initial confidence, Riggs ultimately lost to King in straight sets. After the match, Riggs admitted that he had underestimated Billie Jean King. While some speculated that Riggs deliberately lost the match due to gambling debts, King was adamant that Riggs did not "tank" the match, stating she knew what that looked and felt like. Regardless of the outcome, Riggs successfully created a massive media event that captivated millions, solidifying his legacy as a master promoter and a central, albeit controversial, figure in one of tennis's most iconic moments.
