Meaning: The quote "Billie and I did wonders for women's tennis. They owe me a piece of their checks." was famously said by Bobby Riggs, a former professional tennis player and one of the most colorful and controversial figures in the history of the sport. This quote is often cited in discussions about gender equality and the role of women in sports, particularly in the context of the famous "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between Riggs and Billie Jean King in 1973.

Bobby Riggs was known for his flamboyant personality and self-promotion, and he often made controversial and provocative statements to draw attention to himself and his events. The quote in question reflects Riggs' belief that his high-profile matches with female players, particularly his match against Billie Jean King, had significantly elevated the profile and earning potential of women's tennis, and that as a result, he was entitled to a share of the financial benefits enjoyed by female players.

The "Battle of the Sexes" match between Riggs and King remains one of the most famous events in the history of tennis and a milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports. Leading up to the match, Riggs had been vocal about his belief that male tennis players were superior to their female counterparts, and he famously issued a challenge to any of the top female players of the time. Billie Jean King, who was a leading advocate for gender equality in sports and a pioneer for women's tennis, eventually accepted Riggs' challenge, and the match was set for September 20, 1973.

The match itself was a highly publicized and widely watched event, with an estimated 50 million viewers tuning in to watch the live broadcast. In a stunning upset, Billie Jean King emerged victorious, defeating Riggs in straight sets and proving that women's tennis was a force to be reckoned with. The match had a profound impact on the public perception of women's sports and helped to elevate the status and earning potential of female athletes.

Riggs' quote about women owing him a share of their earnings reflects his controversial and self-aggrandizing nature, as well as his willingness to court controversy and provoke public debate. While his statement may have been made in jest or as a means of further promoting himself and his matches, it also underscores the broader issues of gender inequality and the challenges faced by female athletes in a male-dominated sports world.

In the years following the "Battle of the Sexes" match, Billie Jean King continued to be a vocal advocate for women's rights and gender equality in sports, and she played a key role in the establishment of professional women's tennis and the fight for equal prize money for female players. The match and its aftermath also served as a catalyst for broader discussions about gender equality in sports and helped to inspire a new generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams and demand equal treatment and opportunities in the world of sports.

In conclusion, Bobby Riggs' quote about women owing him a share of their earnings reflects his provocative and controversial nature, as well as the broader issues of gender inequality and the struggle for recognition and equal treatment faced by female athletes. The "Battle of the Sexes" match between Riggs and Billie Jean King remains a pivotal moment in the history of women's tennis and a milestone in the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports.