Original 9 September 1, 2020

Original 9: Reunited, Recreated

In 2012, Charleston’s Volvo Car Open (known at the time as the Family Circle Cup) hosted a memorable three-day celebration of the trailblazing Original 9.

01 /10

Billie Jean King chats with a ball girl escort as she takes her place for a tournament tribute at the Family Circle Cup – now the Volvo Car Open – in Charleston in 2012.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

02 /10

The tournament hosted a three-day celebration of the trailblazing Original 9.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

03 /10

Rosie Casals hammed it up with Pam Shriver, one of the hosts of a gala celebration in downtown Charleston.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

04 /10

Kerry Melville Reid walked the line of TV interviews.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

05 /10

The gala was attended by tennis family, legends, and loyal sponsors of women’s tennis.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

06 /10

Nancy Richey made her entrance to an ovation.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

07 /10

Kristy Pigeon and Valerie Ziegenfuss enjoyed the opportunity to catch up.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

08 /10

Peaches Bartkowicz and Julie Heldman posed behind the scenes.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

09 /10

Judy Dalton helped get the group in order for a very special money shot.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith

10 /10

The Original 9 assumed the same positions and poses as the iconic photo that was taken at the Houston Racquet Club on September 23, 1970 – but with Julie Heldman sitting in her mother Gladys Heldman’s place.

Photo by Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith