Billie Jean King has one Flushing landmark named after her following last night’s U.S. Open ceremony. Now she believes the Mets should name their new stadium after the pioneering Brooklyn Dodger who broke the color barrier.
“I certainly hope Jackie Robinson, I hope the Mets do the right thing. That’s a no-brainer, too,” King said yesterday during a news conference before last night’s re-christening of the U.S. Open complex as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The main stadium will still be called Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Word is the Mets are seeking a corporate sponsor, something the USTA decided against doing when it naming the tennis complex after King, whose career paved the way for women in all sports.
The USTA’s chief operating officer, Arlen Kantarian, said the organization passed up between $5 and $10 million in deciding against a sponsor name. It’s the first time an significant sporting arena has been named after a woman.
“I still don’t really understand this, and I’m trying to figure it out” said an overwhelmed King. “When Arthur [Ashe Stadium] got named, it was easier to understand for some reason. But when it’s yourself it’s like, ‘Wow.’ I don’t really understand it.”
King, 63, fought for equal prize money for women, started the WTA and is best remembered for knocking off Bobby Riggs in 1973 in the “Battle of the Sexes” that inspired women across the globe.
“Bobby is going to say he’s responsible, which is fine,” said King, referring to the deceased Riggs. “He did make a big difference in my life.”


