The Original 9: How Nine Women Changed Tennis Forever
In 1970, nine women picked up their racquets, signed a $1 contract, and changed the future of tennis. Known now as the Original 9, they weren’t just athletes — they were disruptors who refused to accept the wide pay gap and second-class status handed to women in the sport.
Setting the Stage
Back then, the inequality was staggering. At one tournament, men were promised $12,500 in prize money while women were offered just $1,500. The message was clear: women’s matches were considered less valuable, even when the crowds proved otherwise.
The Nine Who Took a Stand
Led by Billie Jean King, the group included Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville Reid, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Judy Dalton, Valerie Ziegenfuss, and Julie Heldman. With the backing of World Tennis Magazine publisher Gladys Heldman, they formed their own women’s circuit.
Each signed a symbolic $1 contract with the newly created Virginia Slims Circuit — a bold move that came with risks. They could have been banned from major tournaments or even ended their careers. But instead, they built the foundation for the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), which launched just three years later.
A Lasting Impact
Their stand wasn’t only about money — it was about legitimacy. The Virginia Slims Circuit gave women players a real platform to compete at a high level, prove their worth, and build momentum for equality.
By 1973, the women’s tour was unified under the WTA, and Billie Jean King sealed the moment by defeating Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes.” It wasn’t just a match; it was a cultural turning point.
Their Legacy Today
The work of the Original 9 paved the way for every major win since — from equal prize money at the Grand Slams to the global rise of stars like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Coco Gauff. Every powerful forehand, every sold-out stadium, every celebration of women’s tennis is a direct line back to their courage.
Why We Celebrate Them at Tennis DuJour
The Original 9 remind us that real progress requires grit, conviction, and a willingness to risk comfort for change. Their legacy isn’t just etched in tennis history — it’s stitched into the culture of sport, fashion, and equality we embrace today.
Next time you pull on a crisp white skirt or lace up for a match, remember: the game feels different because nine women in 1970 believed it could.
Want to dive deeper? Find the Trailblazers book on Tennis DuJour and explore history in your hands with a Rosie Casals wooden racquet — a true piece of the Original 9 story.