Chris Evert

Chris Evert is recognized as one of the most accomplished tennis players in the history of the sport. Known for her two-handed backhand, Evert achieved a winning percentage that ranks among the highest in professional tennis. She won 157 singles titles, including 18 major championships, with a record seven French Open titles and a joint-record six US Open titles. Alongside Martina Navratilova, her primary rival, Evert was a dominant force in women's tennis from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Her calm and composed demeanor on court earned her the nickname Ice Maiden.

Evert's competitive record reflects sustained excellence. In singles, she reached the semifinals or better in 52 of the 56 major tournaments she entered, including 34 consecutive majors from the US Open through the French Open, and she never lost in the first or second round of a major. On clay, she achieved 125 consecutive match wins, and her clay-court winning percentage remains the best for any single surface in tennis history. Evert was the first female player to reach $1 million in career prize money and was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year four times. The Women's Sports Foundation named her the greatest woman athlete of the previous 25 years, and she was unanimously inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Beyond her playing career, Evert has remained active in the tennis industry. She has served as a commentator for ESPN, providing analysis during coverage of all four Grand Slam tournaments. Evert also served as WTA Players Association president a record nine times. She founded Chris Evert Charities, Inc., which has raised over $15 million to combat substance abuse and assist children in need. As chair of the USTA Foundation, she has helped raise $55 million for the organization. Evert also founded the Evert Tennis Academy, which has produced numerous national and international junior champions and professional players.

Evert has faced personal challenges, including a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and a subsequent recurrence. Her experience with the BRCA1 gene mutation, inherited from her late sister Jeanne, has highlighted the importance of family medical history. After undergoing treatment, Evert has become an advocate for genetic testing and early detection. She continues to contribute to tennis as a commentator and uses her platform to promote awareness and inspire others within and beyond the sport.