I watched several of the pre-Australian Open matches from olden times on Tennis Channel and during one of the Chris/Martina finals from the early 80's they kept showing Renee Richards because she was the coach of Martina at the time. I love the Renee Richards saga - so brave and trailblazing.
***
In 1975 Dr. Richard Raskind underwent sexual reassignment surgery to become Renee Richards. Richard was a tennis player of some note and as Renee she was denied acceptance on the women's tennis tour until the Supreme Court ruled in her favor. It was a major victory for the transgender community.
Renee played professional tennis from 1977-1981. She made the final of the women's doubles at the US Open in 1977 and the semifinals of the mixed doubles in 1979 - with Ilie Nastase no less. Later she would become Martina Navratilova's coach for a brief spell.
***
Second Serve was made into a TV movie in the mid-80's and like Renee, it was highly controversial at the time. The incredible Vanessa Redgrave stars in an Emmy nominated performance. LOGO is airing it overnight tonight. 6-8am... set your DVR!!!!!
I'm thrilled.
Photo: From my TV - please don't sue me.
Comments