‘I STALKED BILLIE JEAN KING’

With Oscar buzz building around Emma Stone’s new film Battle Of The Sexes – a retelling of the epic 1973 match between the Wimbledon women’s champion Billie Jean King (Emma) and retired tennis great Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) – the actress tells Woman’s Day what it’s like playing a feminist icon...

You spent time with Billie Jean to prepare for the role. What did you find out about her?

I’d never played a real person before and Billie Jean is an icon and an absolute bad-ass. I could never even hope to be like her. It was super challenging, but she was so warm and open to all of it.

What was it like working with Steve Carell, who stars as Bobby Riggs in the film?

He’s such a brilliant actor and he’s truly the kindest person, so the double whammy is pretty overwhelming!hl i !H He b bringsi the spirit of Bobby to life, the good guy underneath the circus-like personality.

You do an amazing job bringing Billie Jean to life. How did you prepare for this role physically?

I did a lot of weight lifting, played a lot of tennis and really studied her. It’s probably the most physical role I’ve done. I also watched old footage. I was a real creep... I still am a little bit. I find myself watching how she moves!

Billie’s win is considered a milestone in the acceptance of women’s tennis. Do you think it continues to resonate today?

Unfortunately, things haven’t shifted much since 1973. We’re still in a position that’s not far off from the story we’re telling. BATTLE OF THE SEXES is in cinemas Thursday