‘A Few More BJK Statues Should Be Popping Up’- Chris Evert Bows Down to American Legend in Heartfelt Reaction to Her Rare Honor
Chris Evert had the sweetest message for her mentor recently. Billie Jean King was honored by her university for her incredible contribution to the sport and society. On this occasion, Evert came forward to congratulate her and shower her with compliments, that showcased how much the fraternity admires King’s legacy in tennis.
King received a heart-warming tribute from her university, Cal State LA. The prestigious institution unveiled the legend’s statue on the grass outside the university’s Physical Education building. The area is known as the Billie Jean King Sports Complex. Brian Hanlon, the popular sculptor created King’s bronze statue honoring the legend’s contributions to sports and society, serving as an inspiration for the campus people.
King shared her gratitude for receiving such a great recognition. She tweeted a photo with her wife in front of the statue and wrote, “Today @CalStateLA dedicated a statue of me in front of the Physical Education building, created by the incredible artist @hanlonstudio. What an honor. Thank you to the entire Cal State LA family and community for all you did to make this project happen.”
Now, Chris Evert noticed King’s post on X and she offered her bits about it. Congratulating King, she tweeted, “That is so cool… and well deserved… I think a few more BJK statues should be popping up around the world!” Evert’s statement highlighted how much King is loved and adored in her community.
That is so cool… and well deserved… I think a few more BJK statues should be popping up around the world! ❤️ https://t.co/XNg6Y5vAkb
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) October 6, 2024
On the other hand, the American legend gave an amazing speech that brought many cheers at the end. “When I left this campus in 1964 to become the No. 1 tennis player in the world, I was not able to complete my degree, I am happy to announce that I will be re-enrolling in Cal State LA to finish my degree. It’s never too late!”
Evert’s heartwarming message on the occasion of Bille Jean King’s statue unveiling, showcases how much the WTA star admired the legend. Evert has always mentioned how King influenced her career alongside her family. Her words echoed the respect she had for the 80-year-old.
Chris Evert called Billie Jean King her “mentor”
The Billie Jean King Cup’s social media profile shared a video, where Evert imparted an amazing speech about King last year. She said, “I think, aside from my family, she has been the biggest influence in my life and she has been my mentor. And it started early when we played doubles together. She’d always yell at me, ‘Get to the net. Billie Jean has more wisdom than anyone I’ve met in my life. And I’ve met a lot,” Evert asserted. Her words conveyed her love for the American legend.
Billie Jean King’s bronze statue at Cal State showcased the legend’s relevance in the modern era. She might have retired from the sport long back but her resilience and social activism make her a prominent figure. If there wasn’t a Billie Jean King, women players wouldn’t have the recognition they receive now. Therefore, King will always be celebrated and loved in her community for her courage and activism, which deserves much applause.
