Bobby Riggs

'Bobby Riggs' (qv) was probably most famous for losing to 'Billie Jean King' (qv) in the famous 'Bobby Riggs' (qv) vs. 'Billie Jean King' (qv): Tennis Battle of the Sexes (1973), held at the Houston Astrodome. What is often forgotten is that 'Bobby Riggs' (qv) was at one time the Number One tennis player in the world and a former Wimbledon and United States champion. He was reputed to have bet on himself to win the Singles, Men's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles in the 1939 Wimbledon. The story goes that if he won all three titles that he would win $108,000. It is the part of the Rigg's mythology and may or may not be true. What is definitely true is that he did win the Singles, Men's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon in 1939, making him one of the few players to ever complete this prestigious triple.Riggs became a pro in the early 1940s and became the number one player in the world by defeating 'Don Budge' (qv) 23 matches to 21 in 1946. Riggs remained Number One until he was decisively defeated by 'Jack Kramer' (qv) in the tour of 1947-1948 by a score of 69 matches to 20.::AnonyMouse