What was the name of the first professional women's tennis tour started in 1970?

• A. Women's Sports Foundation (1974)
• B. WNBA (1996)
• C. Virginia Slims Tour (1970)
• D. Battle of the Sexes (1973)

Answer: (C)

Identifying the first organized professional women's tennis circuit and its sponsor. In 1970, the Virginia Slims Circuit was launched to create a lasting professional tour for female players and to push for equal prize money. It brought together a cohesive series of tournaments under one circuit and was sponsored by the Virginia Slims cigarette brand. This arrangement established the structure and momentum that enabled women in tennis to compete at the highest level year after year, ultimately paving the way for the modern WTA Tour. Other options point to different initiatives or events that are not a tour: a separate advocacy organization founded later, a basketball league, and a famous exhibition match, none of which established the first professional women’s tennis tour.