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Chris Evert

Chris Evert is an American former professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chris Evert is an American former professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, spent multiple years as the world No. 1, and was known for her consistency and two-handed backhand. Since retiring in 1989, she has worked as a commentator and tennis ambassador.

Early life and background

Chris Evert was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and learned tennis from her father, Jimmy Evert, who was a coach. She emerged as a major junior and professional talent in the early 1970s.

Professional career

Evert became one of the dominant players of the 1970s and 1980s, winning major titles on hard courts, clay, and grass. Her record includes 18 Grand Slam singles titles and a long run of success at the highest level.

Playing style and legacy

Evert was admired for her composure, precision, and consistency from the baseline. Her two-handed backhand helped define modern women’s tennis and influenced later generations of players.

Post-retirement career

After retiring, Evert worked as a broadcaster and tennis analyst and remained active in the sport. She has also been involved in charitable and advocacy work, including women’s health causes.

Honours and records

Evert’s achievements include Hall of Fame induction and several long-standing records in Grand Slam and tour play. She is widely cited as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Key facts

  • Won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record seven French Open titles for a female player.
  • Reached 34 Grand Slam singles finals, an all-time record in women’s singles.
  • Held a career singles winning percentage of about 90%, among the best in tennis history.
  • Was known for her baseline consistency and for popularizing the two-handed backhand.
  • Retired from professional tennis in 1989 and later became a television commentator and tennis analyst.
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Canadian context

Chris Evert’s career is relevant to Canadian readers through the international women’s tennis circuit, Grand Slam coverage, and her influence on the modern baseline style seen in later generations of players who competed in Canada and globally.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Chris Evert?
Chris Evert is an American former professional tennis player and one of the most successful players in tennis history.
How many Grand Slam singles titles did she win?
She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles.
What was Chris Evert known for on court?
She was known for baseline consistency, mental poise, and her two-handed backhand.
When did she retire?
She retired from professional tennis in 1989.
Was she inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Yes. She was unanimously inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995.

References

  1. WTAhttps://www.wtatennis.com/players/50020/chris-evert
    Supports: Birth date and place, career statistics, playing style, retirement-era profile
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Chris-Evert
    Supports: Biographical overview, career highlights, retirement, Hall of Fame induction
  3. International Tennis Hall of Famehttps://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/chris-evert
    Supports: Major records, titles, winning percentage, Hall of Fame induction
  4. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Evert
    Supports: Grand Slam titles, finals record, career summary