Billie Jean King names the best rivalry in the history of tennis over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Billie Jean King, a trailblazer in women’s tennis, has often shared her insights on the sport’s greatest rivalries. While the Federer-Nadal rivalry is celebrated for its intensity and the contrasting styles of the players, King has highlighted other rivalries that have significantly impacted tennis history.

In particular, King has drawn parallels between the Federer-Nadal rivalry and the legendary competition between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. She noted that, much like Federer and Nadal, Evert and Navratilova pushed each other to new heights, each taking titles from the other and elevating the women’s game to unprecedented levels. King remarked, “Nadal and Federer took each other’s title. Same with Chris and Martina.”

The Evert-Navratilova rivalry spanned from 1975 to 1988, with the two facing each other 80 times, including 60 finals. Navratilova led their head-to-head with 43 wins to Evert’s 37. Their matches were characterized by contrasting playing styles: Evert’s baseline consistency against Navratilova’s aggressive serve-and-volley approach. This rivalry not only captivated audiences but also played a pivotal role in popularizing women’s tennis globally.

King’s own rivalry with Margaret Court from 1962 to 1973 is another significant chapter in tennis history. They competed against each other 32 times, with Court securing 22 victories. Their encounters were instrumental in showcasing the competitiveness of women’s tennis during that era.

While King acknowledges the greatness of the Federer-Nadal rivalry, she emphasizes that the sport has witnessed numerous rivalries, each contributing uniquely to its evolution. In her view, the Evert-Navratilova rivalry stands out for its duration, intensity, and the way it transformed women’s tennis, much like Federer and Nadal have done in the men’s game.

In summary, Billie Jean King recognizes the Federer-Nadal rivalry as one of the sport’s greatest. However, she also highlights the significance of past rivalries, particularly between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, for their profound impact on tennis history.