Today we begin a two-part look back at Billie Jean King's one and only Roland Garros title—won 50 years ago, in 1972, and which completed a career Grand Slam for the American. (The above photo shows King holding the trophy alongside runner-up Evonne Goolagaong.) Earned on the terre battue in Paris, it was BJK's training on California hard courts that helped pave her eventual path to the championship. Here's how:
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Billie Jean King’s Battle of Roland Garros was won on the hard courts of Southern California (Part 1 of 2)
Having learned tennis on California hard courts, King’s attacking game was a natural fit for the other three majors, then all played on slick grass. But clay? “California kids were the laughing stock on clay,” says King.
Published May 19, 2022

© AFP via Getty Images
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“I hadn’t really given the time and attention to the French,” King said. That changed during her 1972 run to the title.
© AFP via Getty Images