55 years ago today, I won $4,000 at a tournament and became the first woman athlete to earn $100,000 in prize money in a single year.
At the time, $100,000 felt like a milestone. But it was about so much more than the money. It was about proving what was possible, and opening doors for the generations to follow.
Today, professional tennis players represent 10 of the 20 highest-paid women athletes.
We have come so far.
But progress doesnāt happen by itself. We have to keep pushing, keep breaking barriers, and keep opening doors.
Weāve come a long way. And weāre not done yet.