1971 U.S. Open
Women's Singles Final

Billie Jean King
defeated
Rosie Casals
6-4 7-6

Rosie and Billie Jean King played in the final of the 1971 U.S. Open.  In the semifinals, Billie Jean beat 16 year-old Chris Evert in her U.S. Open debut, and Rosie beat Kerry Melville.

1970 was the first year of the Sudden Death Tiebreak, which was a nine-point tiebreak. The first player to get five points would win the tiebreak. If a tiebreak reached 4-4, it was set point for both players (thus the term Sudden Death). Whenever any match entered into this tiebreak, red Sudden Death flags were displayed on the umpire's chair.  The 9-point Sudden Death tiebreak would eventually be replaced by the 12-point tiebreak, which required players to win by a margin of two points.

In this match, notice Rosie's dress.  It was created by famous designer Ted Tinling and features the Virginia Slims colors.