Billie Jean King declined a producer role in the documentary “Give Me The Ball!” to ensure authenticity, according to Deadline. The film, which debuted at the DC/DOX documentary festival in Washington, D.C., explores King’s impact on tennis and society.
What happened
The DC/DOX documentary film festival commenced on May 27, 2026, with the premiere of “Give Me The Ball!” Featuring a panel discussion following the screening, King was joined by co-directors Elizabeth Wolff and Liz Garbus, along with producers Dan Cogan and Chris James. King, 82, highlighted her decision to step back, stating, “I did not want to be a producer or a director in it because what happens, a person always just shows basically the best side of them.”
In the discussion, she emphasized the importance of truth in storytelling, admitting, “I wanted the truth as much as we could get to the truth. And I knew it was going to hurt.” Wolff added that King provided valuable input during filming, particularly when it came to capturing her tennis shots accurately.
Why it matters
King’s refusal to curate her portrayal underscores a broader commitment to honesty in documentary filmmaking. By avoiding a sanitized version of her life, the film aims to present a comprehensive view of her legacy, which includes her pivotal role in advocating for gender equality in sports.
Background
King has long been a trailblazer in both sports and social justice, famously winning 39 Grand Slam titles and championing equal pay for women in tennis. Her historic match against Bobby Riggs in 1973 is a key moment addressed in the documentary, illustrating her fight against sexism in sports.
