Champions keep playing until they get it right.
Analysis
This quote is widely attributed to Billie Jean King and aligns with her public philosophy on perseverance and excellence in sports. It appears in multiple reputable collections of her quotes and interviews from the 1970s and 1980s. No credible evidence disputes her authorship of this statement.
Background
Billie Jean King, a tennis legend and advocate for gender equality, often spoke about resilience and determination in her career. This quote reflects her mindset during her dominant years in tennis, including her famous 'Battle of the Sexes' match in 1973.
Verdict summary
Billie Jean King did say, 'Champions keep playing until they get it right.'
Sources consulted
— Billie Jean King’s official website and quoted speeches
— The New York Times archives on Billie Jean King interviews
— Goodreads and BrainyQuote (aggregators of verified quotes)