Roger Federer received more than just applause at his induction ceremony into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He also faced an unexpected criticism from Billie Jean King.
“I wish he would fight for equality more because I keep saying, You have two boys and two girls! You have equality in your household!” the American legend told Racquet amid the celebrations in Newport.
The 39-time Grand Slam champion across all categories went on to elaborate on her comment, despite an attempt by a colleague to cut her off. “You think he’d ever do anything to rock the boat? He doesn’t want to. I’d want to make money, too” she added.
King is tennis’ greatest symbol in the fight to close the gap between the women’s and men’s games. She was a founder and the first president of the WTA, demanded that the US Open equalise prize money for its champions in 1973, and that same year took the debate to another level when she defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes.
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But the truth is that the American’s suggestion comes with some nuance. Although the Swiss has never been an activist in the fight for equality in tennis, he has spoken openly about the issue.
In 2020, when tennis was brought to a standstill by the Covid-19 pandemic, the former world No. 1 clearly proposed merging the ATP and WTA.
“I’m imagining a merger between WTA and ATP. I’m not talking about merging the competition on the court, but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the professional tours for men and women. It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time. These are difficult times in all sports and we can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger one,” he wrote at the time in a series of posts on X.
Back in that distant 2020, the 20-time Grand Slam champion received the support of the very legend now calling him out. “I agree and have been saying it since the early ’70s. One voice, women and men together has long been my vision for tennis. The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen”, King replied.
I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis.
The WTA on its own was always Plan B.
I’m glad we are on the same page.
Let’s make it happen. #OneVoice
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 22, 2020
The truth is that after that series of posts and the support of many players, the situation did not change entirely. Mixed events such as the United Cup were created, but the tours continued to operate independently, despite sharing some events and sponsorships.
The major change was supposed to come in 2025, when the ATP and WTA began holding formal talks to merge the two governing bodies. But the plan collapsed in mid-July 2026.
A report by The Guardian revealed that the new president of women’s tennis, Valerie Camillo, rejected the revenue-sharing terms that had been under discussion, and the plan was put on indefinite hold.
