WTA Legends December 21, 2024

Chris Evert at 70: Life of a legend in pictures

On the occasion of Chris Evert's 70th birthday, we look back on the legendary life and career of the WTA's first global superstar.

Chris Evert was a 16-year-old schoolgirl when she burst onto the international stage by reaching the semifinals of the 1971 US Open on debut. One media nickname was ‘Cinderella in Sneakers’. — 01 /15

Chris Evert was a 16-year-old schoolgirl when she burst onto the international stage by reaching the semifinals of the 1971 US Open on debut. One media nickname was ‘Cinderella in Sneakers’.

Getty Images

In 1974, Evert won back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon – the first of 18 majors won across an unbroken 13-year span. — 02 /15

In 1974, Evert won back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon – the first of 18 majors won across an unbroken 13-year span.

Getty Images

On November 3, 1975, having won four of the previous seven majors, Evert became the first official WTA World No.1 when computer rankings were introduced. She went on to hold the top spot for a total of 260 weeks – still fourth on the all-time list. — 03 /15

On November 3, 1975, having won four of the previous seven majors, Evert became the first official WTA World No.1 when computer rankings were introduced. She went on to hold the top spot for a total of 260 weeks – still fourth on the all-time list.

Getty Images

In 1976, Evert was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year and became the first female athlete to pass $1 million in career earnings. Her celebrity on the rise, she was linked with Jack Ford, the president’s son. — 04 /15

In 1976, Evert was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year and became the first female athlete to pass $1 million in career earnings. Her celebrity on the rise, she was linked with Jack Ford, the president’s son.

Getty Images

Supreme powers of concentration helped ‘Ice Maiden’ Evert win 125 matches in a row on clay (still the single surface record in tennis) between August 1973 and May 1979. Tracy Austin ended her run in the semifinals at Rome. — 05 /15

Supreme powers of concentration helped ‘Ice Maiden’ Evert win 125 matches in a row on clay (still the single surface record in tennis) between August 1973 and May 1979. Tracy Austin ended her run in the semifinals at Rome.

Getty Images

In a rivalry for the ages, Evert faced Martina Navratilova 80 times, including 14 Grand Slam finals, finishing with a 37-43 record against her great friend. — 06 /15

In a rivalry for the ages, Evert faced Martina Navratilova 80 times, including 14 Grand Slam finals, finishing with a 37-43 record against her great friend.

Getty Images

When Evert started on the tour, double-handed backhands were a rarity. Schooled by her father, Jimmy, the accuracy and consistency of her trademark shot inspired millions. — 07 /15

When Evert started on the tour, double-handed backhands were a rarity. Schooled by her father, Jimmy, the accuracy and consistency of her trademark shot inspired millions.

Getty Images

Evert posted a 72-6 win loss record at Roland-Garros. Her seven titles from nine finals remains the record in the women’s game, surpassed in the sport only by Rafael Nadal’s 14 titles. — 08 /15

Evert posted a 72-6 win loss record at Roland-Garros. Her seven titles from nine finals remains the record in the women’s game, surpassed in the sport only by Rafael Nadal’s 14 titles.

Getty Images

Evert reached at least the semifinals at 52 of 56 majors contested, her Grand Slam career ending in the quarterfinals at the 1989 US Open. She won her home Slam six times, a record shared with Serena Williams. — 09 /15

Evert reached at least the semifinals at 52 of 56 majors contested, her Grand Slam career ending in the quarterfinals at the 1989 US Open. She won her home Slam six times, a record shared with Serena Williams.

Getty Images

With 157 titles, second only to Navratilova’s 167, and an unmatched win-loss percentage of .90 (1309-146) Evert was unanimously voted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1996. — 10 /15

With 157 titles, second only to Navratilova’s 167, and an unmatched win-loss percentage of .90 (1309-146) Evert was unanimously voted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1996.

Getty Images

In 2011, Evert joined ESPN as an analyst and commentator, and she continues to work for other networks, including Eurosport. — 11 /15

In 2011, Evert joined ESPN as an analyst and commentator, and she continues to work for other networks, including Eurosport.

Getty Images

To be presented in perpetuity, the Chris Evert WTA World No.1 Trophy was unveiled in 2015 to mark the 40th anniversary of computer rankings. Evert was the official WTA year-end No.1 on five occasions. — 12 /15

To be presented in perpetuity, the Chris Evert WTA World No.1 Trophy was unveiled in 2015 to mark the 40th anniversary of computer rankings. Evert was the official WTA year-end No.1 on five occasions.

Getty Images

Chris Evert Charities, founded in 1989, has raised more than $26 million to fight drug abuse and child neglect in Florida. Here, Evert is pictured at her 2017 fundraiser with former husband Andy Mill and sons Alex, Nicky and Colton. — 13 /15

Chris Evert Charities, founded in 1989, has raised more than $26 million to fight drug abuse and child neglect in Florida. Here, Evert is pictured at her 2017 fundraiser with former husband Andy Mill and sons Alex, Nicky and Colton.

Getty Images

In 2019, Evert was appointed chair of the USTA Foundation and she continues to bring her personal experience of ovarian cancer in support of WTA Foundation Initiatives, such as ACEing Cancer. — 14 /15

In 2019, Evert was appointed chair of the USTA Foundation and she continues to bring her personal experience of ovarian cancer in support of WTA Foundation Initiatives, such as ACEing Cancer.

Getty Images

A nine-term president of the WTA during her playing days, Evert remains an impactful WTA Legend Ambassador while playing an active role at the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton. — 15 /15

A nine-term president of the WTA during her playing days, Evert remains an impactful WTA Legend Ambassador while playing an active role at the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton.

Getty Images