Bobby Riggs was more than just a tennis legend—he was a master of wit, confidence, and unforgettable one-liners. Known for his brash personality and sharp tongue, Riggs left behind a treasure trove of quotes that still resonate today. Whether you’re a tennis fan or just love a good quip, his words pack a punch.
Here’s a collection of his best quotes, organized to inspire, entertain, and maybe even provoke a laugh.
Bobby Riggs on Confidence and Mind Games
Riggs was famous for his psychological tactics. He believed in the power of self-assurance and wasn’t shy about it.
🔹 “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
🔹 “Pressure is a word that’s misused in our vocabulary. When you start thinking of pressure, it’s because you’ve started to think of failure.”
🔹 “I never choked in my life. I’ve always been a front-runner.”
🔹 “If you don’t practice, you don’t deserve to win.”
🔹 “Tennis is 90% mental, and the other half is physical.” (Yes, he knew the math didn’t add up—that was the joke.)
Bobby Riggs on Competition and Winning
Riggs loved a challenge, especially when the odds were against him.
📌 “I’ll play anyone, anytime, anywhere.”
📌 “Winning is the science of being totally prepared.”
📌 “The best way to beat someone is to make them think they’ve already lost.”
📌 “I don’t care if it’s a man, woman, or a mule—I’ll play ’em.”
📌 “You don’t just win with skill. You win with your head.”
Bobby Riggs on Women’s Tennis (And the Battle of the Sexes)
His infamous 1973 match against Billie Jean King made history. His quotes on women’s tennis were bold—sometimes controversial—but undeniably memorable.
🔥 “Women belong in the bedroom and the kitchen, not on the tennis court.” (A statement he later regretted.)
🔥 “I’ll tell you why I’ll beat Billie Jean King. She’s a woman, and they don’t have the emotional stability.”
🔥 “I underestimated her. She was too good.” (His honest admission after losing to King.)
🔥 “I hustled the world with my mouth, but she hustled me with her racket.”
Bobby Riggs on Life and Hustling
Riggs was a self-proclaimed hustler, both on and off the court.
💡 “Life’s a gamble. You gotta know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.”
💡 “I didn’t just play tennis—I sold it.”
💡 “If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying.” (A tongue-in-cheek take on his competitive edge.)
💡 “Money isn’t everything, but it sure keeps you in touch with your kids.”
Bobby Riggs on Aging and Longevity
Even in his later years, Riggs stayed sharp—both mentally and physically.
🎯 “Age is just a number. It’s the attitude that counts.”
🎯 “You’re only as old as your knees feel.”
🎯 “I might be past my prime, but I can still outthink most of these kids.”
Final Thoughts
Bobby Riggs wasn’t just a player—he was a showman, a strategist, and a quote machine. His words were as bold as his game, leaving a legacy that’s still talked about today.
Which quote sticks with you the most? Whether it’s his confidence, his humor, or his infamous match against Billie Jean King, Riggs knew how to make an impact.
🚀 Want more legendary sports quotes? Keep exploring—there’s always another great line waiting to inspire you.