Celeb Tweets: Billie Jean King Edition

Today is the 40th anniversary of the Battle of the Sexes match between the great Billie Jean King and the late Bobby Riggs.

King beat Riggs in three straight sets at the Houston Astrodome and cemented herself as one of the great feminist heroes.

Of course, this was just one match and very symbolic. But her greatest achievements lie in founding the women’s tennis tour, creating a union, fighting for equal prize money and winning a record 20 titles at Wimbledon in singles and doubles.

Some of her famous admirers paid tribute on Twitter today:
Chris Evert ‏@ChrissieEvert 18m She is a woman who will forever be known for her vision, her leadership, her extraordinary sense of fairness…@BillieJeanKing
Jimmy Connors ‏@JimmyConnors Bobby Riggs/ Billie Jean King battle of sexes 40 yrs ago in Houston. Memorable– a day in sports history.

Diana Nyad ‏@diananyad Sending trailblazer @BillieJeanKing big appreciation today! 40th Anniversary #KingRiggs40
Elton John ‏@eltonjohndotcom Happy 40th anniversary to @BillieJeanKing on her historic win over Bobby Riggs in the Battles of the Sexes! #KingRiggs40

Tracy Austin ‏@thetracyaustin Happy 40th Anniversary to @BillieJeanKing for her win over Bobby Riggs!Remember it well! Huge impact on generations. #inspirational

Martina Navratilova ‏@Martina 40 years ago today Billie Jean King wiped Bobby Riggs off the Houston Astrodome floor- congrats!!!

Pam Shriver ‏@PHShriver 40 years ago @BillieJeanKing #KingRiggs40 played their match. BJK was just 30 yrs of age & juggled so much so well & still does AMAZING

Billie Jean King ‏@BillieJeanKing Thank you to everyone for your wonderful messages, stories and support. I am humbled. #KingRiggs40