"I wasn’t a Billie Jean King or Martina Navratilova”: Chris Evert reflects on her legacy as she celebrates her 70th birthday
WTA
Chris Evert celebrated her 70th birthday this week and reflected on her entry into professional tennis, where she competed against players like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Margaret Court. The American won a total of 18 Grand Slam titles, cementing her status as one of the greatest legends in tennis history.
From an early age, Evert excelled in junior categories and made her Grand Slam debut at 16 during the 1971 US Open, where she reached the semifinals, losing to first seed Billie Jean King. Her performances in majors were remarkable, with 18 titles and 16 additional finals appearances.
The American also finished six seasons as world No. 1 and ended a total of 17 years ranked in the top three. She forged one of the most iconic rivalries in tennis history with Navratilova, facing her 80 times between 1973 and 1988, 60 of which were in finals, with Navratilova leading their head-to-head 43–37.
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In an interview with the WTA, the former player reflected on her influence in the tennis world and how the landscape has changed since her era. “The culture at that time was that women athletes were frowned upon,” the former world No. 1 said. “They were strong. That was everything the culture dictated that a woman wasn’t. I came along, a teenager who was trying to be feminine.
“I wasn’t a Billie Jean King or Martina Navratilova with these big messages, but after I showed up, it was ok. ‘Oh, those are beautiful tennis dresses and those are pretty ribbons. She wears nail polish.’ I think that was my impact, making it ok for young girls and women to be athletes, bringing along a whole new generation.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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