Bobby Riggs, the tennis legend, recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to talk about his upcoming tennis match with Billie Jean King. Riggs, who was once the talk of the town during his prime, has now found himself back in the spotlight as he prepares to face off against King in a winner-take-all tournament.
At the age of 55, Riggs has become an icon in the sports world once again. As Johnny Carson mentioned, Riggs had a successful career at Wimbledon when he was just 24 or 25 years old. However, he later faded into relative obscurity. But now, Riggs is anything but obscure. Magazines like Sports Illustrated and The New York Times Magazine have dedicated pages to him, describing him as a combination of Mickey Rooney and Mark Spitz.
The upcoming match between Riggs and King is set to take place on September 20th at the Houston Astrodome. With a $100,000 prize on the line, the match has attracted attention from all over the world. Riggs, always the showman, is excited about the event and the fact that it has generated more interest than any other tennis match to date.
During his appearance on the show, Riggs showcased his signature wit and charm. When asked about the difference between a hustler and a con man, Riggs explained that a hustler is someone who knows what they can do and has the edge, while a con man is involved in deception. He shared stories of his hustling days, including his unique basketball dribbling skills that he used to impress people.
But it’s not just about the hustle for Riggs. He believes in the male supremacy and has made controversial remarks about women in sports. However, he sees his upcoming match with King as an opportunity to prove himself and put women’s tennis in its place.
King, on the other hand, is no stranger to success. She recently won her fifth Wimbledon title and is known for her tough playing style. Riggs is well aware of her skills but remains confident that his experience and tactics will give him the upper hand. He is determined to show the world that he can defeat someone as talented as King, despite being 30 years older than her.
The match has already generated buzz, with tickets selling out quickly. The event is expected to be the largest tennis match in history, with a seating capacity of 46,000. People from all over the world have made reservations and travel agencies are promoting the match. It’s clear that Riggs and King have captured the attention of fans everywhere.
As the interview wrapped up, Riggs expressed his excitement and disbelief at the overwhelming interest in the match. He sees himself as a representation of older men who still support him and he’s proud to carry their banner. Riggs believes that life truly begins at 55 and he’s enjoying every moment of this journey.
In conclusion, Bobby Riggs‘ appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson served as a teaser for the highly anticipated match between him and Billie Jean King. As the date approaches, fans can’t help but wonder who will come out on top. Riggs’ reemergence in the spotlight is a testament to his charisma and showmanship, reminding us all that age is just a number in the world of entertainment and sports.
