Chris Evert, born Christine Marie Evert, is an American former professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the most successful, consistent, and respected athletes in the history of women’s tennis. Known for her composure, extraordinary concentration, and error-free baseline game, she earned the nickname “Ice Princess” and became a lasting symbol of mental discipline and technical precision in the sport.

Early Life and Family Background

Chris Evert was born on November 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, into a family deeply immersed in tennis. Her father, Jimmy Evert, was a professional tennis coach who introduced her to the sport at the age of five. Growing up alongside her siblings Jeanne Evert, Drew Evert, John Evert, and Clare Evert, she was raised in a highly competitive and disciplined environment where tennis quickly became a way of life.

Professional Career Beginnings

In 1971, at just 16 years old, Chris Evert reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open, instantly announcing her arrival on the global stage. In December 1972, she officially turned professional. Within a short period, she established herself as one of the most dominant figures in women’s tennis, redefining consistency at the highest level.

Grand Slam Achievements and Records

Over the course of her career, Chris Evert won a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles. Seven of these victories came at the French Open, a record that remains unmatched in women’s tennis. She also claimed six titles at the U.S. Open, three at Wimbledon, and two at the Australian Open. In addition to her singles success, she won three Grand Slam doubles titles.

Evert compiled an extraordinary singles match record of 1,309 wins and 145 losses, giving her one of the highest winning percentages in the history of professional tennis.

World Rankings and Rivalries

Chris Evert held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 260 weeks and finished five seasons as the year-end world No. 1. Her legendary rivalry with Martina Navratilova defined women’s tennis from the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s. Their rivalry is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential duels in sports history.

Playing Style and Court Dominance

Renowned for her dominance on clay courts, Chris Evert recorded an astonishing 382 wins against just 22 losses on the surface. Beginning in 1973, she achieved a historic streak of 125 consecutive clay-court victories, a feat unmatched in WTA history and one that earned her the title “Queen of Clay.”

As one of the first women to popularize the two-handed backhand, Evert helped lay the foundation for modern baseline tennis. Her game emphasized patience, precision, and mental resilience rather than raw power, influencing generations of players who followed.

Post-Retirement Career and Contributions

After retiring from professional tennis, Chris Evert remained deeply involved in the sport. She served in leadership and administrative roles within women’s tennis and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. She was also awarded the Philippe Chatrier Award in recognition of her contributions to the game.

Evert retired officially in 1989 and later worked as a coach, tennis executive, and broadcaster. She is the founder and owner of the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton and has served for many years as a lead tennis analyst for ESPN.

Personal Life

Chris Evert was married three times, to tennis player John Lloyd, Olympic skier Andy Mill, and professional golfer Greg Norman. She has three sons: Colton Jack, Nicholas Joseph, and Alexander James.

Health Struggles and Legacy

In later years, Chris Evert publicly shared her battle with cancer, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire others facing similar challenges. Today, she is remembered not only for her unmatched competitive achievements but also for her grace, integrity, and enduring influence on tennis culture.

Source: Biyografiler.com