50 Facts About Chris Evert

Early Life and Background

Chris Evert, a tennis legend, has a fascinating life story that began long before she became a household name. Here are some intriguing facts about her early years and background.

1. Chris Evert was born on December 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
2. Her full name is Christine Marie Evert.
3. Evert's father, Jimmy Evert, was a professional tennis coach.
4. She started playing tennis at the age of five.
5. By age 16, she was already competing in major tennis tournaments.
6. Evert attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale.
7. She was the top-ranked junior tennis player in the United States by age 14.
8. Chris Evert's younger sister, Jeanne Evert, also played professional tennis.

Tennis Career Highlights

Chris Evert's tennis career is filled with remarkable achievements and records. Let's delve into some of the most notable highlights.

9. Evert won her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in 1974.
10. She has a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles.
11. Evert won the French Open seven times, a record for women.
12. She also won the US Open six times.
13. Evert held the world No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks.
14. She has a career win-loss record of 1,309-146.
15. Evert was known for her two-handed backhand, a technique she popularized.
16. She won at least one Grand Slam title for 13 consecutive years.
17. Evert retired from professional tennis in 1989.
18. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995.

Rivalries and Friendships

Evert's career was marked by intense rivalries and enduring friendships with other tennis greats. Here are some interesting facts about these relationships.

19. Evert's rivalry with Martina Navratilova is one of the most famous in tennis history.
20. They played each other 80 times, with Navratilova winning 43 matches and Evert 37.
21. Despite their rivalry, Evert and Navratilova are close friends.
22. Evert also had notable rivalries with Billie Jean King and Evonne Goolagong.
23. She played against King 46 times, winning 26 of those matches.
24. Evert and Goolagong faced each other 33 times, with Evert winning 21 matches.
25. Evert's sportsmanship and grace on and off the court earned her widespread respect.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond tennis, Chris Evert has a rich personal life and diverse interests. Here are some facts that shed light on her life outside the court.

26. Evert was married three times, first to British tennis player John Lloyd.
27. She later married Olympic skier Andy Mill.
28. Her third marriage was to Australian golfer Greg Norman.
29. Evert has three sons: Alexander, Nicholas, and Colton.
30. She is an avid golfer and enjoys playing the sport in her free time.
31. Evert is also passionate about fitness and healthy living.
32. She has been involved in various charitable activities, including cancer research.
33. Evert founded the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida.
34. She has worked as a tennis commentator and analyst for ESPN.

Legacy and Impact

Chris Evert's impact on tennis and sports, in general, is profound. Here are some facts that highlight her lasting legacy.

35. Evert's playing style influenced many future tennis stars.
36. She was one of the first female athletes to earn significant endorsement deals.
37. Evert's rivalry with Navratilova helped popularize women's tennis.
38. She was a pioneer in advocating for equal prize money for women in tennis.
39. Evert's calm demeanor under pressure earned her the nickname "Ice Maiden."
40. She has inspired countless young athletes to pursue careers in tennis.
41. Evert's contributions to tennis have been recognized with numerous awards.
42. She was named one of the "100 Greatest of All Time" by Tennis Channel.
43. Evert has been a role model for sportsmanship and professionalism.
44. Her autobiography, "Chrissie: My Own Story," was published in 1982.
45. Evert continues to be involved in tennis through coaching and commentary.
46. She has been a vocal advocate for women's sports and gender equality.
47. Evert's influence extends beyond tennis, impacting sports culture as a whole.
48. She has received honorary degrees from several universities.
49. Evert's legacy is celebrated annually at the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic.
50. Her name remains synonymous with excellence, grace, and determination in sports.

Chris Evert's Legacy

Chris Evert's impact on tennis is undeniable. With 18 Grand Slam singles titles and a record seven French Open victories, her achievements speak volumes. Evert's rivalry with Martina Navratilova is legendary, showcasing some of the sport's most memorable matches. Beyond her on-court success, Evert's sportsmanship and dedication to the game have inspired countless players.

Her transition from player to commentator and coach shows her deep love for tennis. Evert's influence extends beyond the court, with her charitable work and contributions to tennis development programs. Her legacy is not just in her titles but in the countless lives she has touched through her passion and commitment.

Chris Evert remains a true icon in the world of tennis, her story a testament to hard work, perseverance, and love for the game. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.