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Tennis legend Billie Jean King added to Barbie line-up

Toy company Mattel has announced the addition of Billie Jean King to its 'Inspiring Women' collection.

According to a Mattel representative, King was chosen because she is not only a "legendary tennis player," but also an "equality champion."

Lisa McKnight, Mattel SVP, told TIME King's doll will feature an outfit based off of what she wore during her 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs.

She added: "Billie Jean King is the definition of an inspiring woman, as she is not only a legendary tennis player, but also an equality champion. By shining a spotlight on her powerful story, along with Ella Fitzgerald and Florence Nightingale, we are continuing to show girls that they can be anything," says Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and its dolls portfolio.

Her victory over Riggs was an iconic moment that cemented her place in sports history.

In a statement, King said it was "such an honour" to be added to Mattel's series which also includes jazz legend Fitzgerald, and the founder of modern nursing, Nightingale.