Billie Jean King on BJK Cup in Asheville: 'We should have all of them here'

ASHEVILLE — Billie Jean King believes Asheville will enjoy compounding benefits as a three-time host of the international women's tennis tournament that bears her name.

At a press conference before the first day of matches in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tie between Team USA and Ukraine, King discussed her memories from previous events, players' impressions of Asheville and the role the tournament can play in boosting local tennis.

"Asheville doing this for the third time, it can become more influential, especially in the area," King said. "The people here have been so wonderful and so supportive."

Asheville first hosted a BJK Cup tie in 2018, when the competition was named Fed Cup. Team USA returned to the mountains the following year, as well.

King was in attendance in 2019, an experience she recalled fondly.

"It was fantastic," King said. "Gladys Knight and I sat up there. ... It was wonderful. ... When I was here last time, I thought, 'Wow, we should have all of them here.' You guys show up. Show up and speak out. You guys show up; showing up is really important"

Having recently met with Team USA in the locker room, King said the players and coaches also had remembered Asheville's strong showings from previous years. 

"The players feel it," King said. "They know it; they feel it. They appreciate everybody here and how much they've supported it."

King and Knight were again sitting together in the crowd Friday. King participated in a lengthy and emotional opening ceremony, and along with her partner Ilana Koss, she donated $50,000 to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. 

The tie in Asheville raised $225,000 for Ukrainian relief, according to the U.S. Tennis Association. In addition to King's personal donation, local sponsors Ingles Markets, New Belgium Brewing Company and Harrah's Cherokee Center all pledged money toward the cause, and the USTA donated 10% of ticket revenue to the fund. Other 

Including individual donations through the Tennis Plays For Peace initiative, the donation total was expected to eclipse $1 million.

"You can always make an impact," King said. 

At the local level, that impact can come via public parks and affordable instruction, she said. And she believes the presence of the BJK Cup in Asheville will continue to boost interest in local tennis.

"Let's take Asheville, the greater area here. It's having access. It's having public parks. It's having coaching. Coaching is vital. Coaching is huge," King said. "Even if you get the children organized, you're so important because sometimes you can't coach.

"Asheville, the local people. It's so important. The way you respond to the Billie Jean King Cup is amazing."