70s Virginia Slims Tennis Come Long Way Baby t-shirt Extra Small

Chest 15.5 in.

Length 24 in.

Content: 100% Cotton

Tag Brand: Hanes

This rad t-shirt remembers the Virginia Slims Circuit from the 1970s. The Virginia Slims Circuit was a women's tennis tour and it was a monumental moment for the future of the sport. Led by legend Billie Jean King, the circuit was a direct response to the gender inequality of prize money in US Lawn Tennis Association tournaments. In addition to King, the nine women who were a part of the founding circuit were Rosemary Casals, Peaches Bartkowicz, Valerie Ziegenfuss, Kerry Reid, Judy Dalton, Julie Heldman, Kristy Pigeon, and Nancy Richey.

With the help of Heldman's mother and the publisher of World Tennis magazine, the Original 9 were able to secure a sponsorship with Virginia Slims. By founding their own circuit, these groundbreaking women put their careers on the line and they were ultimately suspended from the USLTA. Their suspension turned out to be inconsequential because, by the end of its first year, the Virginia Slims Circuit was a huge success and helped pave the way for the creation of the Women's Tennis Association in '73.

Tag says small, but fits like a modern unisex adult extra small. Repair on one sleeve, thin spot, see pics






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