What happened in the most watched tennis match of all-time when 90 million people tuned in

Over 50 years ago, an estimated 90 million people tuned in worldwide to watch the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match.

The contest saw WTA superstar Billie Jean King and former world number one-ranked tennis player Bobby Riggs play each other under the bright lights of the Houston Astrodome in Texas.

Riggs, 55, had claimed that the women’s game was far inferior to the men’s game, and that he could defeat any of tennis’ top female stars.

The American proceeded to challenge Margaret Court, who was the world number one at the time. On May 13, 1973, Riggs defeated Court comfortably: 6-2, 6-1.

After previously rejecting challenges from Riggs, Billie Jean King decided to play her compatriot on September 20, 1973.

Billie Jean King won the ‘Battle of the Sexes’

An estimated 90 million people