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Today in History: Billie Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs in Battle

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 10:37 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On September 20 1973, 29-year-old Billie Jean King faced 55-year-old Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” at Houston’s Astrodome. King won three straight sets before an estimated 140 million viewers worldwide, turning the exhibition into a landmark moment for women’s tennis and gender equality.

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Story summary

On September 20 1973, 29-year-old Billie Jean King faced 55-year-old Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” at Houston’s Astrodome. King won three straight sets before an estimated 140 million viewers worldwide, turning the exhibition into a landmark moment for women’s tennis and gender equality.