Chris Evert, one of the most celebrated figures in tennis history, continues to inspire fans worldwide with her resilience. Known for her dominance on the court during the 1970s and 1980s, she holds a remarkable legacy with 18 Grand Slam titles and a career winning percentage of 89.97%. However, as of 2024, her life is now marked by a new battle off the court as she faces another round of treatment for ovarian cancer.
Despite her health challenges, Chris Evert remains actively involved in the tennis world, both as a coach and analyst for ESPN. Her courage in confronting cancer while maintaining her passion for the sport has been nothing short of admirable.
Key Takeaways
- Chris Evert is a tennis legend, with 18 Grand Slam titles and a career-winning percentage of nearly 90%.
- In 2024, Chris Evert is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, which has sidelined her from her role in covering the Australian Open.
- Known for her two-handed backhand and fierce rivalries, Evert’s influence on tennis remains strong.
- Evert popularized the "tennis bracelet" after an on-court incident in the 1970s.
- She has been married three times, most famously to fellow tennis player John Lloyd.
Chris Evert’s Remarkable Tennis Career
Chris Evert is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. Born on December 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Evert’s tennis journey began at a young age, eventually leading to an extraordinary career that saw her reign as the world’s No. 1 player for 260 weeks.
Tennis Chris Evert: A Dominant Force in the Game
Evert was known for her consistency and remarkable precision on the court, pioneering the use of the two-handed backhand that later became popular among players. Her mental toughness and ability to win matches under pressure helped her secure seven French Open titles and six US Open titles, marking her dominance across multiple surfaces. Evert’s rivalry with Martina Navratilova is often considered one of the greatest in tennis history, pushing both players to new heights.
| Key Tennis Accomplishments | Details |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Singles Titles | 18 |
| World No. 1 Ranking | 260 weeks |
| French Open Titles | 7 |
| US Open Titles | 6 |
| Winning Percentage | 89.97% |
| Two-Handed Backhand | Popularized by Chris Evert |
Chris Evert’s Health – Battling Ovarian Cancer
Chris Evert’s health took a serious turn in December 2021, when she was diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer. She responded positively to treatment initially, but recent reports in October 2024 have confirmed that the cancer has returned. After undergoing robotic surgery to remove cancer cells from her pelvic region, Evert is now preparing for chemotherapy once again. Despite this setback, she remains hopeful and determined to manage her health.
Chris Evert News Today: Impact on Her Role in Tennis
Due to her ongoing health battle, Chris Evert will not be participating in the Australian Open coverage in 2024. This is disappointing news for fans who admire her insightful analysis and commentary on major tennis events. However, Evert remains actively involved in tennis and hopes to return once her health stabilizes.
Chris Evert Lloyd – The Marriage That Shaped Her Early Career
Chris Evert was known as Chris Evert Lloyd during her marriage to British tennis player John Lloyd from 1979 to 1987. This was a pivotal time in her career, during which she achieved significant success in major tournaments. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Evert’s focus and success on the tennis court remained steadfast throughout this period.
Chris Evert Tennis Bracelet – A Fashion Icon is Born
Beyond the tennis court, Chris Evert inadvertently sparked a major fashion trend when she lost her diamond bracelet during a match at the US Open in the late 1970s. Stopping the match to search for the bracelet, she unwittingly popularized what is now known as the "tennis bracelet." This flexible diamond bracelet quickly became a must-have fashion accessory, forever associating Evert with the iconic jewelry piece.
Chris Evert’s Personal Life and Relationships
Chris Evert has been married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to tennis player John Lloyd, followed by a marriage to skier Andy Mill, with whom she had three children. Evert’s third marriage was to golfer Greg Norman, though it lasted only briefly. Despite the ups and downs of her personal life, Evert has always remained dedicated to her family and her role as a mother.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | December 21, 1954, Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Marriages | John Lloyd (1979-1987), Andy Mill (1988-2006), Greg Norman (2008-2009) |
| Children | 3 |
| Tennis Career | 18 Grand Slam singles titles, No. 1 for 260 weeks |
| Cancer Diagnosis | December 2021, ovarian cancer |
| Health Update 2024 | Cancer recurrence, undergoing chemotherapy |
FAQs
What is Chris Evert known for in tennis?
Chris Evert is known for winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles and being the world No. 1 for 260 weeks. She is also famous for popularizing the two-handed backhand in tennis.
What health challenges is Chris Evert facing in 2024?
Chris Evert is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, which returned in 2024 after a previous diagnosis in 2021. She recently had surgery and is preparing for chemotherapy.
Why did Chris Evert miss the Australian Open in 2024?
Chris Evert will not be covering the Australian Open in 2024 due to her ongoing treatment for ovarian cancer.
What is the "tennis bracelet" and how is Chris Evert connected to it?
The "tennis bracelet" is a type of flexible diamond bracelet that became popular after Chris Evert famously lost hers during a match at the US Open in the late 1970s.
How many times has Chris Evert been married?
Chris Evert has been married three times—to tennis player John Lloyd, skier Andy Mill, and golfer Greg Norman.
What is Chris Evert’s career-winning percentage?
Chris Evert holds the highest career-winning percentage in singles matches in tennis history, at 89.97%.