From BJK to Beatriz Haddad Maia: Tennis boasts global reach on International Women’s Day

FLASHBACK: Leylah Fernandez was one of the many saluting women for International Women's Day.

Tennis was undeniably alive on March 8, International Women’s Day. Denis Shapovalov kicked off tributes a day early when he penned an impassioned essay for The Players’ Tribune in support of eliminating the gender pay gap.

The good vibes kept going on Wednesday thanks to organizations like Break The Love.

The Next-gen social sports platform teamed up with Lillet, a classic aperitif from Bordeaux, to support women athletes through a series of rallies, panels, and events throughout Women’s History month—making their way to both Indian Wells and Miami.

The next panel on March 19 will feature Monica Puig and Jennifer Brady.

Meanwhile, OG of equal rights Billie Jean King held court at the Forbes3050 Summit in Abu Dhabi, speaking out about her continued crusade for equality alongside former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, and Gloria Steinem.

“The more powerful you are, the faster you can make things happen,” King said, imploring CEOs to do their part in the corporate sector.

“You are an influencer, every single day of your life, that’s why engagement is so important. How do people change? You have to actively listen for change to happen.”

Surfer Tatian Weston-Webb looked to propel some of that change forward as she decided to represent Brazilian tennis star Beatriz Haddad Maia at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal.

“To see a Brazilian woman dominating in tennis is really exciting,” said Weston Webb, a Brazilian-American born in Rio Grande do Sul.

Other athletes like West Ham soccer player Michail Antonio saluted top women tennis players, donning a “Serena Williams” jersey in an effort by the team to pay homage to women who have inspired them.

The tennis world made an outpouring of its own for IWD, including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Caroline Wozniacki, Leylah Fernandez, and player-turned-coach Conchita Martinez.