Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Tennis legend with 39 Grand Slams; founded WTA and Women's Sports Foundation; prominent campaigner for equality and gay and lesbian rights.
On the island
Eight records
When this song, Respect, came out … it made us women stand up a little straighter and a little more self confidence.
The USTA decided to name the entire facility after me … the person who sang was Diana Ross … this was special because of the moment.
She wrote this beautiful song called Winds of Change, Mandela to Mandela … I just love her, I think she's got a great voice.
I asked [Katherine Jenkins], could you tell me your two favorite songs? And I chose World in Union … it's kind of bringing people together.
This comes from the movie about my one little sliver of my life in 1973, called The Battle of the Sexes.
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
Dusty just has a unique voice … I think she's one of the all-time greats.
Philadelphia FreedomFavourite
Elton came up with this title … it went to number one.
Hey Jude was a song to help Julian when the parents got divorced … to comfort Julian.
In conversation
Presenter asks
1:08Nowadays, when you walk through these famous gates, what are your feelings about the place?
Well, this is my fifty eighth year. So I have many, many memories that flood into my mind and in my heart. And I always think about the first time … But when I go in, I think about how I used to buy bonbons to the right and go give them to the ball boys to the left … And I did talk to, I think, Captain Lane about ball girls to say it would be nice to have both.
Presenter asks
2:55You describe tennis as entertainment. Given the amount of skill and discipline that goes into making a Grand Slam winner, how come you think of it in that way?
Everything's about the audience … first of all, I think you have the passion to play … I just wanted to be the best. I wanted to be number one … And at 12, I asked myself, where is everybody else? And that's what started me fighting for equality. That very moment was my moment.
Presenter asks
8:52You said females are brought up to be perfect and boys are brought up to be brave. Were you brought up to be perfect?
Yeah, my mother was always worried about me being a lady at all times and she wouldn't let me play touch football … By the time I was 10 or 11, I was furious. And she says, Well, I want you to always be a lady. And I go, What does that mean?
The keepsakes
The book
Dr. Seuss
I could not come up with a book. It was driving me insane because I like so many. I was worried of how many days I had to be out there. I need a long, long book. And then I thought, no. And I just love this book, Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You Will Go. It's a beautiful little book, and it's a children's book. It doesn't matter what age you are. I think it's inspirational, and it's lovely.
The luxury
I'd really love that scrapbook of my family just to look at old photos and new photos. And both parents have passed away now, so I'd love to look at them.
Presenter asks
32:53What do you say when a CEO says to you it's equality? Don't talk to me about equality. What's your reply?
I don't say anything. I say, Okay, I understand, because you're not going to get any place with them. You might later, but it's not going to work. You've got to pick your spots … I have to size up a person if it's also do I have the energy that day.
Presenter asks
37:44You had all the personal stuff to deal with, of stuff that you wanted to keep private being made public. How did you cope?
I didn't cope well. It was very difficult … I've had twenty five years of psychotherapy. They saved my life. They literally saved your life? Yeah, literally.
“And at 12, I asked myself, where is everybody else? And that's what started me fighting for equality. That very moment was my moment.”
“I love to hit the ball. There's nothing like running, feeling the wind in your hair. And when you hit the ball on the strings, it is just magic. Oh my God, it's so much fun.”
“I love purple. It was really purple. Racket with the purple strings, the purple felt. I used to sleep with it. Oh my gosh, I was so excited.”
“Don't underestimate anybody, ever, ever. My dad taught us that. Always respect your opponent. And never ever underestimate anybody in your life. Ever.”