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Billie Jean King honored legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe on the 30th anniversary of his death on Monday.
Ashe was one of the most prominent figures to represent the United States of America in the sport. He won three Grand Slam singles titles, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open. He even became the first black player ever to represent the United States at the Davis Cup.
Ashe drew his final breath on February 6, 1993 after suffering from AIDS. He succumbed to death after battling the disease for more than four years.
Billie Jean King recollected the achievements of the icon on the anniversary of his death. She conveyed that the memories of Ashe would live on.
"30 years ago today, the world lost Arthur Ashe to AIDS. Arthur Ashe was the first Black man to win men's singles at #Wimbledon, #USOpen and #AusOpen. His memory lives on," she wrote in her tweet.
Ashe's professional career was cut short as the player suffered several heart-related issues. At the age of 36, he even endured a heart attack. Due to such ailments, he officially retired on April 16, 1980. He has a career record of 818 wins, 260 losses, and 51 titles.
Billie Jean King announces the launch of a new tournament named after her partner Ilana Kloss
Billie Jean King proudly announced the launch of The Ilana Kloss International, a tournament named after former doubles World No. 1 and her partner Ilana Kloss.
Kloss, who hails from South Africa, is considered one of the greatest-ever sporting figures in the country. The Ilana Kloss International, which comes under the International Tennis Federation (ITF), is set to take place in Pretoria, South Africa.
Billie Jean King shared the news of the tournament's launch via social media.
"Incredibly proud to share that my partner, former South African No.1 tennis player, Ilana Kloss, will have a tournament named after her. The Ilana Kloss International, an ITF Tennis tournament taking place in Pretoria, begins on March 5," wrote the 79-year-old in her tweet.
With the upcoming edition of the tournament set to commence on March 5, 2023, Kloss wished luck to all the participants.
"I wish all the participants the best of luck, and I know this tournament will give rising South African stars a chance to display their immense potential,” the former doubles No. 1 expressed.
