Biography:
Christine Marie Evert, known as Chris Evert Lloyd from 1979 to 1987, is an American former world No. 1 tennis player. Born on December 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Evert had tennis in her blood. Raised in a committed Catholic household, she was the daughter of Colette and Jimmy Evert. Her father was a professional tennis coach, and tennis became a way of life for the Evert family.
Evert and her sister Jeanne both went on to become professional tennis players, while their brother John played tennis on scholarship at the University of Alabama and later at Vanderbilt University. Their youngest sister Clare also excelled at tennis, playing on scholarship at Southern Methodist University. Each one of them achieved success, with titles won at the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl in Florida.
Evert’s journey in professional tennis began in the early 1970s. Her remarkable career spanned over a decade and made her one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Evert’s accomplishments speak volumes about her skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Throughout her career, Evert won a total of 18 major singles titles, including a record seven French Open titles and a joint-record six US Open titles, tying with Serena Williams. She also reached a joint-record 34 major singles finals, which is tied with Novak Djokovic. Evert’s dominance on the court was evident as she reached the semifinals or better in 52 of the 56 majors she played.
An impressive statistic that showcases Evert’s consistency and prowess is that she never lost in the first or second round of a major, and lost in the third round only twice. Incredibly, Evert holds the record for winning at least one major title for 13 consecutive years.
Evert’s success was not confined to singles matches; she also achieved victories in doubles competitions, winning three major doubles titles. Her proficiency on clay courts remains unmatched with a career winning percentage of 94.55%, which is a record on the WTA Tour.
Evert’s impact on women’s tennis has been immeasurable. Alongside her rival Martina Navratilova, she reigned over the sport in the 1970s and 1980s. Evert’s fierce competitiveness and elegant playing style made her a fan favorite, captivating audiences around the world.
Off the court, Evert served as the president of the Women’s Tennis Association for eleven years, from 1975 to 1976 and again from 1983 to 1991. Her influential role in the association helped shape the future of women’s tennis and elevated its status in the world of sports.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport, Evert was awarded the Philippe Chatrier award and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. These accolades reflect the impact she had on tennis and the admiration she garnered from her peers.
Following her retirement, Evert transitioned into coaching and became an analyst for ESPN. She also established her own line of tennis and active apparel. Evert’s dedication to the sport and her continued involvement in the tennis community have solidified her place as a respected figure in the world of tennis.
Awards:
– Philippe Chatrier award
– Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame
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