<p>In 2021, the International Tennis Hall of Fame inducted the Original 9, pioneers who signed $1 contracts in 1970 to create the first women's tennis tour. Facing challenges, they paved the way for equity in sports.</p><p><br></p><p>Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton, and Ann Jones reflect on those early years with Blair Henley, discussing their risks, timing, and behind-the-scenes efforts. Later, Jones tells Chris Bowers how player camaraderie fueled progress on the Virginia Slims tour, uniting women across nationalities to make tennis a viable career.<br></p><p>This episode originally aired in 2024. </p>

TennisWorthy

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Pioneering Women's Professional Tennis with Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton and Ann Jones

MAR 31, 202551 MIN
TennisWorthy

Pioneering Women's Professional Tennis with Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton and Ann Jones

MAR 31, 202551 MIN

Description

<p>In 2021, the International Tennis Hall of Fame inducted the Original 9, pioneers who signed $1 contracts in 1970 to create the first women's tennis tour. Facing challenges, they paved the way for equity in sports.</p><p><br></p><p>Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton, and Ann Jones reflect on those early years with Blair Henley, discussing their risks, timing, and behind-the-scenes efforts. Later, Jones tells Chris Bowers how player camaraderie fueled progress on the Virginia Slims tour, uniting women across nationalities to make tennis a viable career.<br></p><p>This episode originally aired in 2024. </p>