'I Was Just a Teenager' – Chris Evert Reacts to Caitlin Clark Controversy With a Note of 'Jealousy' of His Own Career and Support from Billie Jean King

There was a time when women's tennis didn't get the attention it needed. Along came Billie Jean King and things started to change a lot. She laid the foundation for the modern WTA and advocates for equal rights for women. This ultimately helped them gain the stature they needed. It was also the time when a young tennis sensation, named Chris Everthas taken the tennis world by storm with his sense of the game and knack for glory.

But his introduction to the world of tennis wasn't great at all. She was criticized and didn't get the respect she deserved. The same thing happens with Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. Considered one of the most exceptional basketball players around, she doesn't get the value she deserves. Pondering the same, Martina Navratilova, a sports legend, took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the same concern. Shortly after, a user showed nostalgia by pointing out the Chris Evert incident.

Responding to the same, Chris Evert suggested that yes, there was a time when she had to take all the criticism, but that was the case. Billie Jean King who constantly defended and supported her. She then wished that basketball would also follow the same steps and concluded by saying that she is the future of this sport. “yes, there was jealousy towards me… It didn't feel good. I was just a teenager. BJK defended me I hope women's basketball follows this example. @CaitlinClark22 makes sport better,” Evert said in his tweet while lending his support to Caitlin Clark.

Apparently, Caitlin Clark has been the subject of a lot of scrutiny from WNBA players. It is said to generate unwanted hatred from players. So, Chris Evert, a gaming legend, made a blunt admission about her early years of gaming and how she often faced criticism.

She further added that she doesn't hope that Caitlin Clark experiences the same thing and that the higher authorities of basketball do what Billie Jean King did for her at one point. Interestingly, Billie Jean King not only supported the players, but was also one of the key figures in one of the biggest revolutions in tennis.

In addition to supporting Chris Evert, Billie Jean has taken a major revolutionary step for the improvement of women's tennis.

Billie Jean King, who was part of the Original 9 (a group of 9 professional tennis players) raised her voice for the improvement of women's tennis and signed a $1 contract. This was signed to protest the inequality they enjoy in prize money in any tournament.

Although it was a very risky move for them, what just started as a revolution eventually paved the way for the formation of the modern WTA. All their efforts paid off in 1973, when the US Open became the first major tournament to commit to providing equal prize money to men and women in tennis. So, when it comes to tennis, Billie Jean King's revolutionary act will always be remembered.

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