Tennis legend and advocate for equality, Billie Jean King, a co-founder of the Hologic WTA Tour, has been celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was officially revealed this week.
King is the first woman to be honored with a star in the sports entertainment category, a new addition to the Walk of Fame in 2023 to recognize athletes` impact on entertainment. Her star, the 2,807th in total, is located near Hollywood and Vine. Magic Johnson and Jamie Lee Curtis assisted in the unveiling ceremony.
During the ceremony at the Pantages Theatre, Magic Johnson praised King for her continuous fight for justice, stating she uses her influence, voice, time, and resources to drive change.
Jamie Lee Curtis emphasized King`s powerful influence, both on and off the court, in the press, in public advocacy, and in her fight for freedom and self-expression.
Maria Sharapova, along with King`s fellow tennis players Rosie Casals and Julie Anthony, also attended the event.
This honor is another recent milestone for King. Last September, she was the first female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for her leadership in promoting equal rights for women in sports, education, and society.
King expressed her gratitude on social media, acknowledging the honor and noting that while she is the first woman in this category, she will not be the last.
King`s recognition comes just before the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, an international women`s team tennis competition named in her honor, where countries will compete for a place in the Finals later in the year.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth