The Greatest Tennis Match of All Time Took Place 53 Years Ago Today-And It Changed Sports Forever
One of the most famous tennis matches of all time took place 53 years ago today, on May 13, 1973.
Well-known tennis players Bobby Riggs and Margaret Court competed for a $10,000 prize and bragging rights for their gender. The match was held at Riggs' home court, the San Vicente Country Club in Ramona, California.
The 55-year-old was infamous for his doubts about female athletes. He often belittled players and women's sports. Riggs dubbed the match a "battle of the sexes."
He had originally wanted to play Billie Jean King, whom he called the "leading women's libber of tennis." King rejected his proposition.
Court accepted his offer. The Australian tennis player had won 89 of her previous 92 matches and was the leading pick to win the women's professional tour.
When the big moment came, Riggs beat Court 6-2, 6-1. It was later revealed that he had the court resurfaced to slow the game.
After his victory, Riggs once again requested a match with King. This time, the 29-year-old accepted. This time, they played for a $100,000 prize.
In 2017, the biographical film Battle of the Sexes details this monumental story. It starred Emma Stoneas King, SteveCarell as Riggs, and JessicaMcNamee as Court.
It was directed by husband-and-wife duo JonathanDayton and ValerieFaris. In 2017, they spoke to the European Women's Audiovisual Network about the film.
"What was interesting to us was the two private lives of these characters," Faris said. "Because the match itself, the tennis match, wasn't all that entertaining or interesting. It was really more about what pressure they were under leading to the match and all that they were going through emotionally and psychologically."
The Golden Globe-nominated movie followed the fight for equal pay, King's struggle with her sexuality, and, of course, the tennis match.
On September 20, 1973, the big day arrived. The pair played in front of a sold-out audience.
King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. It became the most-watched televised sports event of all time.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 2:00 AM.