Tennis Talk with Billie Jean King

United States tennis player, Billie Jean King was online Tuesday, June 10 at 1 p.m. ET to field questions about her career, involvement with World Team Tennis, this year's Wimbledon tournament and her upcoming book, "Pressure is a Privilege."

The transcript follows.

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Washington, DC: I'm psyched about finally getting WTT in Washington! What took so long to get a franchise here?

Billie Jean King: We had to find the right ownership, and we found that with Mark Ein and his team. He loves tennis, he play a good game, he's a terrific businessman and Mark really cares about the community. Washington DC has always had great fans and people who are passionate about playing tennis and giving back to the community. I hope everyone will come out and see the Kastles in July. The home opener is July 8 and Serena Williams will be playing for the Kastles that night. It's a great experience. I'll be at the opener and I can't wait. Hope you will be there too.

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Arlington, Virginia: Ms. King,

I was excited to hear that the the Washington Kastles will be playing downtown instead of a suburb. What do you think their chance to be competitive in the league is this year?

Billie Jean King: I think they have a great chance to do well. They have an amazing franchise player in Serena Williams who has been great for World TeamTennis. The Kastles have a great mix of youth and experience. There's a young up-and-comer in Sacha Jones and players with more tour experience like Scott Oudsema, Mashona Washington and Justin Gimelstob and a great coach in Thomas Blake. It's important to remember that WTT is about team - it's all about winning games because we use cumulative scoring. Men and women contribute equally and it's fast-paced, fun and a little furious. We play lets and have no-ad scoring so you have to focus on every single point and every game counts in WTT. It's about team.

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Alexandria, Va.: Do you think that tennis should bring back wooden racket and ban metal ones, like major league baseball with does with bats? Do you think there is a point where the technology diminishes the amount of skill and athleticism that a player needs?

Billie Jean King: To me tennis has always been an art and a science. I like the new technology, especially for the masses. Surfaces all over the world have been slowed down since players can now hit the ball so much harder because of the new technology and technique. Even with the grass at Wimbledon, players talk about how the court plays much more like a hard court. Even baseliners now have a better chance than they did in the past - there's a truer bounce. Every generation gets better with technology but there's a common theme with the great players in every generation - who can be the best physically, mentally and emotionally.

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New York, N.Y.: If you were competing today, who are some of the players you would most look forward to playing against and why?

Billie Jean King: I like any player that challenges me to get better. Champions always want to get better. They love to be challenged. If I were playing at the same level that I played in my day against today's top players, the only way I would get a point is if they double-faulted! :)

HOWEVER, if I was born in this generation I think I would have been right in the thick of it.

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Annapolis, MD: Ms. King, not a question, just a heartfelt "thank you" for everything you have done for women's tennis, women's sports and women's lives. I'm 61 years old and one of many women who have benefitted greatly from your efforts. Thank you very much.

Billie Jean King: Thank you very much. I really appreciate your comment. In my heart and mind, it's not just about women. It's about helping boys and girls have equal rights and opportunities. The reason I've ended up helping women so much because we are so under-served. But every time you can help a boy or girl, you can help and impact both genders. That's the reason World TeamTennis is my passion. If you watch a WTT match, you see my philosphy on life -- men and women working together and contributing equally on a level playing field.

You're only 61 - you go girl! Keep living large!

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Freising, Germany: Whenever I think of my "Secrets of Winning Tennis" book, I always reminded of keeping my forward shoulder down while taking a high forehand groundstroke.

Is it true that Elton John wrote the song "Philadelphia Freedom" after taking lessons from you at your Tennis camp? Seeing as how he became an enthusiastic tennis player and fan, you really must have improved his game.

Tennis has changed somewhat with new racket technology. If you were to write a book on tennis strategy and tactics now, how much different would it be to "Secrets of Winning Tennis"?

Billie Jean King: Elton did write the song Philadelphia Freedom for me but it was because of the World TeamTennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. I played for the Freedoms in 1974 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Elton came to many of the matches and he was our cheerleader (he even wore a team uniform). The song became #1 in pop and crossed over to be #1 in R&B. Every time I hear it, it still fires me up.

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Maryland: How often do you play tennis and do you play just for fun now? Or do you train still?

Billie Jean King: Two or three times a week for fun and exercise. I love it.

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Lenexa, KS: Hello Billie Jean!

My team was at the WTT finals last year and ended up winning the 4.0 division! I must say that meeting you and learning from you was one of the most incredible moments in my tennis career.

You are such a positive influence in the tennis world and I appreciate all your accomplishments and what you have made tennis today.

What would be next on your achievement list and who was one of your positive influences when you were growing up?

Billie Jean King: I'm still trying to figure out where I'm going in the next few years. I've just finished my book Pressure is a Privilege (which publishes Aug. 12). It's been 20 years since my last book. It's been a great experience so I might do more writing.

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Arlington, Va.: Billie Jean,

The recipient's of your work towards equal pay have allowed players to have a much shorter playing career and faster movement into other areas of interest. The Williams sisters being the prime example. If you could have had the same advantage, would you have continued to play competitively or maybe moved on to a different field? What might that field have been?

Billie Jean King: I definitely would have liked to work in television. Maybe a talk show that helps people, similar to Oprah. I also would have liked to go into politics and help change legislation. First comes the law, then the minds and hearts of people usually follow over the generations.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Ms. King,

I grew up watching you play and really think that the 70/80s were the highlights of both men's and women's tennis.I hope you don't think this is a stupid question but Ive gotten to really dislike watching the women because of the 200-decibel shrieking along with the world-owes-me-a-living attitudes of the Williams sisters and others. So, would you please come out of retirement and convince Yvonne, Chris, Margaret and Martina to do the same!!!

Billie Jean King: We were all part of a special generation but I love watching today's players. The Williams sisters are a huge part of that. They have transcended tennis and motivated many people to play the sport. They both appreciate the players of the past and Venus has really stepped up as leader for her generation. She's a big reason that women finally got equal prize money at the Grand Slams.

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Washington, DC: What are your favorite sports besides tennis? To play? To watch?

Billie Jean King: Basketball is my first love. Played softball and all team sports as a child. Tennis was the last sport I took up.

I love to watch many sports. For me it's all about the people. It's the human element I love. I really love March Madness, the NBA and the WNBA. I do watch some baseball (my brother Randy was a major league baseball player) and football and I've started watching motorsports, particularly since the women are doing so well.

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Washington, DC: Can you explain Justine Henin's inexplicable decision to walk away from tennis, trophies, and gazillions in prize money

Billie Jean King: I think she's emotionally exhausted. She's much smaller in physical stature than most players and had to give so much physically and emotionally to win at the top level. I think after she's rested, she may be back. I hope so. I miss her already - especially that backhand.

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Charlotte, NC: Ms. King,

I would love to hear your thoughts on Wimbledon this year -- particularly regarding the mens' side. The Federer vs. Nadal rivalry is fascinating. It seems that Nadal closed the gap with Federer on grass last year, and last week increased the distance between the two on clay. Do you see Nadal winning Wimbledon this year? Can he get through Djokovic, Roddick, et al to get another crack at Federer?

Billie Jean King: Djokivic and Nadal are definitely the future. They have both improved over the past year. It really hurt Roger that he had mono earlier this year but Roger is still the genius and the one to beat at Wimbledon. Roddick is looking good and he's always dangerous with his serve on grass. He likes the grass and feels like he has a chance. He's a great text-messenger too - we like to chat via text messages!

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Baltimore: Hi...you played World TeamTennis in the '70s and '80s...what was your favorite team that you played on or experience you had during your WTT playing days?

Billie Jean King: I LOVE playing World TeamTennis! Whatever team I was on at the time was my favorite team. I gave 100% wherever I played. Mixed doubles is my favorite event so it was fun to play with a bunch of great guys over the years. But it took the guys longer to get out of the dressing rooms than us!

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New York, N.Y.: Hi...you mentioned that you just finished a book ,"Pressure is a Privilege." Can you tell us a little about it?

Billie Jean King: The book is about lessons I learned from the Battle of the Sexes match with Bobby Riggs and beyond. It's about so much more than tennis. It's more about my values in life and what my parents taught me. It was fun writing the book with Chris Brennan and I'm looking forward to seeing it in the bookstores soon.

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Long Beach, Calif.: Please give us a little insight into you and your little brother Randy, who became a major league pitcher. You must have provided quite a role model for him, as he also achieved success on the highest level of play. Thanks.PS -- I live down the street from courts at Wilson High in long beach that bear your name!

Billie Jean King: That park was called Rec Park when I started. I got lessons from Clyde Walker there every Friday. Randy has been the greatest brother. We've always supported each other in pursuing our dreams. He's been an unbelievable friend and blessing in my life. We loved growing up in Long Beach - sorry, we went to Poly! Go Jackrabbits.

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Richmond, Va.: Dear Ms. King -- also no question but just a thank you. Not just for what you have done for women, female athletes and gays and lesbians, but for the trail you blazed on the court. I was young when you played, but I always loved your aggressive style of play -- serving and volleying and attacking the net. A style that was not quite "feminine" in your day, but made the woman's game as exciting as the men's game.

You truly are an inspiration and a role model, and not just for women -- but for men too. You exemplify courage and principal. I am a huge fan, male, 44 and straight. Keep up your great work!!

Billie Jean King: Thank you very much. Alice Marble was actually the first one given credit for playing aggressive serve and volley tennis. She was one of my mentors and sheroes. It's funny that people say if you go to the net, you're playing like a guy. So many of the men are baseliners. So what do we call guys who stay on the baseline? :)

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Women's soccer: You've been an advisor to women in many sports and at many levels. What do you think of the prospects for survival of the new women's professional soccer league that will be launched in 2009?

Billie Jean King: They are approaching it from a very different direction this time. The focus is more local and regional which is absolutely correct. The way it's going to survive is if people buy season tickets, not just game tickets. We want to make sure that girls have the dream that they can play professional soccer. It's an inspiration and a motivator.

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Rockville: Ms. King,

I am a great admirer of yours and really appreciate that you (and other female athletes) did and still do not accept the word "no" when facing road blocks to promote their respective sports. I watched a documentary on HBO and wanted to know if you were pleased with it. I really enjoyed watching it and learning more about your life.

Thank you.

Billie Jean King: I thought it was extremely well done. The producer Margaret Grossi and her team had the idea 20 years ago and they did an amazing job. Ross Greenburg at HBO is brilliant and everything he touches has such elegance and truth. The show won a Peabody Award. We were all so pleased with it.

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san francisco: Hi Billie Jean. Curious whether you have any thoughts on the shift from ESPN2 and USA to The Tennis Channel for much TV broadcasts, including Master's Series and other important events. I think it's a shame that fewer & fewer people will have access to tennis coverage, which is already sadly limited. I love watching tennis, but I'm not about to subscribe to TTC, since most of the time it's programming, not live tennis coverage. Since you've been so active in bringing tennis to the masses and expanding participation in the sport, how do you feel this reduced TV coverage might impact your efforts?

Billie Jean King: The Tennis Channel is great. It's so much fun to watch events from all over the world. Tennis Channel will be airing our WTT matches this July as well. The tournament coverage is great and I love getting to know the players better through their shows and interviews. Having the Tennis Channel is like having a round-the-clock informercial for the sport I love. If you don't have it, call you cable company and ask for it!

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Albany, N.Y.: I know how hard you worked for Hillary Clinton. And how sad you were that she didn't get the nomination. Do you STILL think that this has put women back...or has she made large cracks in the glass ceiling?

Billie Jean King: Hillary is an amazing woman and she's just beginning. She's going to be contributing so much more to this world before she is finished.

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Denver, Colorado: How important is the team concept to the future growth of tennis and are there plans to introduce TeamTenis to younger players?

Billie Jean King: The biggest sports in the world are team sports. Young people want to play with their friends. When they sign up to play they should be placed on a team, just like soccer. We need to get rid of the word lesson in tennis and call it practice. Kids like to go to practice. We encourage team play in World TeamTennis. Advanta gives a free starter junior racquet to every kid age 16 and under at all WTT Pro League matches. It's called the "Ready, Set, Racquet!" program. Go to WTT.com for more information and come to a WTT match this summer. I know you will love our brand of tennis. I hope to see you there. Have to run - thanks for participating in this chat. Good luck and GO FOR IT!

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