King vs. Riggs: What Did It Really Prove?

Re “Ultimately a Love Match” (by William Keck, April 16):

So, director Jane Anderson studied footage of the Billie Jean King-Bobby Riggs match to “re-create the most minute details” in “When Billie Beat Bobby”? Well, she must have unearthed the only footage in existence that clearly depicts the USC Marching Band performing on the sidelines.

ED HEWLETT

Los Angeles

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If women really think that a champion female tennis player in her youth who bested a tired, obese old man at a game of tennis is indicative of how great women are, and indeed was a turning point in the women’s movement, then this has a lot to say about women.

MICHAEL ZERBEL

Santee

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If the objective of journalism is to inform, then what purpose is served by the phrase “King lives in Chicago with her companion of many years”? If this is code for lesbian partner, why not say “female companion”? Say it straight or not at all (no pun intended).

STEVEN DORNBUSCH

Los Angeles

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King conclusively proved that a women’s tennis champion in her 20s can outpoint the skeletal remains of a two-bit tennis hustler. This victory inspired a whole generation of female steroid and growth-hormone junkies.

Since King is now in the same age bracket as Riggs was when this legendary match took place, I think she should play a match with a current male champion. She could conclusively prove to the world that a plump woman in her mid-50s cannot win a point off a male tennis champion in his 20s.

JIM ARNOLD

Los Angeles