Billie Jean King to become first female athlete with Congressional Gold Medal

• The measure has already passed in the Senate and will now head to President Biden's desk for a signature.

What they're saying: Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), a co-sponsor of the bill, said in a statement: "King's lifetime of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and the workplace."

• Co-sponsor Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said in a statement that the bill getting signed into law cements King's "legacy as both a champion of tennis and equality whose impact will continue to inspire and empower future generations."
• King said on X following Tuesday's vote that she is "deeply humbled and honored."

By the numbers: King, largely considered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has 39 Grand Slam titles to her name, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon.

• She held the world no.1 ranking in women's tennis for a total of six years in the period of 1966 through 1975, according to her official website.

Zoom out: A champion of gender equality, King formed the Women's Tennis Association. "As a result of her advocacy, the U.S. Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money to both sexes," per her site.

• Among other honors throughout her lifetime, King received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

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