From the pioneers of the early days of the sport to the superstars of today, Legends of Women's Tennis tells the stories of the women who have thrilled and inspired fans both on and off the tennis court.

Tactical serving - Tactical reurning - Playing the baseline - Playing the net - Opposing the net player - Developing a game style.

Legendary tennis player Billie Jean King details the remarkable history of women’s tennis in this stunning edition of Trailblazers: The Unmatched Story of Women's Tennis. In celebration of the Women’s Tennis Association’s 50th anniversary, this updated and expanded edition—based on the 1988 original We Have Come a Long Way: The Story of Women's Tennis—includes more than 250 photographs and 33 years’ worth of stories about inspiring women and their achievements. The book arrives 53 years after King and eight other women players broke with the male tennis establishment and launched their own professional tour. With this gorgeous, photographically forward, and deeply moving ode to women’s tennis, King and coauathor Cynthia Star will continue the remarkable story in which King has played such an integral role, shedding new light on barriers that were overcome and milestones that were achieved. Women’s tennis today has never been more popular across the globe and, as this book demonstrates, has never been more diverse and inclusive.

Analyzing the key players and political moments in women’s professional tennis since 1968, this book explores the historical lineage of social activism within women’s tennis and the issues, expressions, risks, and effects associated with each cohort of players. Drawing on original qualitative research, including interviews with former players, the book examines tennis’s position in debates around gender, sexuality, race, and equal pay. It looks at how the actions and choices of the pioneering activist players were simultaneously shaped by, and had a part in shaping, larger social movements committed to challenging the status quo and working towards increased economic equality for women. Taking an intersectional approach, the book assesses the significance of players from Althea Gibson and Martina Navratilova to Venus and Serena Williams, illuminating our understanding of the relationship between sport, social justice, and wider society. This is important reading for researchers and students working in sport studies, sociology, women’s studies, and political science, as well as anybody with an interest in social activism and social movements. It is also a fascinating read for the general tennis fan.

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