Billie Jean King the first of her six singles titles at Wimbledon and the first of twelve Grand Slam singles titles overall, defeating Court in the semifinals 6–3, 6–3 and Maria Bueno in the final. King credited her semifinal victory to her forehand down the line, a new shot in her repertoire. She also said that the strategy for playing Court is, "Simple. Just chip the ball back at her feet." At the U.S. Championships, an ill King was upset by Kerry Melville Reid in the second round. King successfully defended her title at the South African Tennis Championships in 1967, defeating Maria
1966 Wimbledon Championships 1966 Wimbledon Championships The 1966 Wimbledon Championships took place on the outdoor grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom. The tournament was held from Monday 20 June until Saturday 2 July 1966. It was the 80th staging of the Wimbledon Championships, and the third Grand Slam tennis event of 1966. Manuel Santana and Billie Jean King won the singles titles. Manuel Santana defeated Dennis Ralston, 6–4, 11–9, 6–4 Billie Jean King defeated Maria Bueno, 6–3, 3–6, 6–1 Ken Fletcher / John Newcombe defeated Bill Bowrey / Owen Davidson, 6–3, 6–4, 3–6,