In the complete overall history of tennis, I figure I'll be worth a sentence or two.... That's why my place in the all-time rankings means so very little to me, because I know I won't be anybody's number one, and it's that same old thing: if you're not number one, then what does it really matter?
Billie Jean KingI've never cared that much for cementing my place in history. Sports is so transitory, so ephemeral. It just seems like so much nonsense comparing me to Helen Wills Moody or Suzanne Lenglen or anybody else from some other time. One lesson you learn from sports is that life goes on without you.
Billie Jean KingBeing Number One isn't everything to me, but for those few hours on the court it's way ahead of whatever's in second place.
Billie Jean KingTennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquillity.
Billie Jean King