ESPN Films' NINE FOR IX Presents VENUS VS. July 2nd at 8:00PM ET on ESPN

ESPN Films' NINE FOR IX Presents

VENUS VS.

Everyone knows about the swing. Everyone knows about the swagger. But what most Americans don’t know about Venus Williams is how she changed the course of her sport. In a stunning case that captured the attention of the European public beginning in 2005, Williams challenged the long-held practice of paying women tennis players less money than their male counterparts at the French Open and Wimbledon. With a deep sense of obligation to the legacy of Billie Jean King, Williams lobbied Parliament, UNESCO and Fleet Street for financial parity. Indeed, it was her poignant op-ed piece in The London Times that convinced many people that the tournament organizers at Wimbledon were “on the wrong side of history.” The boys clubs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon finally relented in 2007. In fact, it was at Wimbledon that year that Venus became the first women’s champion to earn as much as the men’s (Roger Federer).  So to her seven major championships, another victory can be added.

Director | Ava DuVernay

Producers | Ava DuVernay, Howard Barish, Tilane Jones, Libby Geist, Deirdre Fenton

Cast | Venus Williams, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe

Premiere Date | July 2nd at 8:00PM ET on ESPN

More information about VENUS VS. and Ava DuVernay can be viewed at: 

http://espn.go.com/espnw/nine-for-ix/8948839/nine-ix-film-summary-director-venus-vs

More information and a trailer for Nine for IX can be viewed at: espnW.com/NineForIX

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