Career Timeline of Chris Evert: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Chris Evert, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Chris Evert is an American former professional tennis player renowned as one of the sport's all-time greats. She held the world No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks, securing the year-end No. 1 title five times. Evert amassed an impressive 157 singles titles, including 18 major championships. Her rivalry with Martina Navratilova defined women's tennis, as they collectively dominated the scene from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1969: Ranked No. 1 under-14 girl in the US

By 1969, Evert had become the No. 1 ranked under-14 girl in the United States.

1970: Won national 16-and-under championship

In 1970, Evert won the national 16-and-under championship and was invited to play in a tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she defeated Margaret Court, the world No. 1 player.

September 1971: Grand Slam debut at the US Open

In September 1971, Evert made her Grand Slam debut at the US Open.

1971: Grand Slam debut

In 1971, Evert reached the semifinals or better in 52 of the 56 majors she played, including at 34 consecutive majors entered from the 1971 US Open through the 1983 French Open.

1971: Grand Slam tournament debut at US Open

In 1971, at age 16, Evert made her Grand Slam tournament debut at the US Open and reached the semifinal.

August 1973: Clay court winning streak began

In August 1973, Evert began a streak of 125 consecutive matches won on clay courts.

1973: Runner-up at French Open and Wimbledon

In 1973, Evert was the runner-up at the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships.

1974: Began streak of winning at least one Grand Slam title a year

In 1974, Evert began a streak of winning at least one Grand Slam singles title a year, which lasted for 13 consecutive years through 1986.

1975: President of the Women's Tennis Association

In 1975, Evert began her tenure as president of the Women's Tennis Association, a role she held for eleven years across two periods.

1975: Defeated Navratilova at French Open

In 1975, Evert defeated Navratilova at the French Open 2–6, 6–2, 6–1 to defend her title from the previous year.

1975: President of WTA

In 1975, Evert served as president of the Women's Tennis Association.

1975: Won French and US Open titles; WTA ranking system instituted

In 1975, Evert won her second French Open and the first of four straight US Open titles. The official WTA computer ranking system was instituted, with Evert being the first No. 1.

1976: Skipped French Open

In 1976, Evert skipped the French Open to play in King's World TeamTennis.

1976: Won Wimbledon and US Open; Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year

In 1976, Evert won both Wimbledon and the US Open. She also earned Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year award.

1977: Won US Open at Forest Hills

In 1977, Evert won the final US Open played at Forest Hills on clay.

1978: Won US Open at Flushing Meadow

In 1978, Evert won the inaugural US Open championship held on hard courts at Flushing Meadow.

May 12, 1979: Clay court winning streak broken

On May 12, 1979, Evert's 125-match clay court winning streak was broken by Tracy Austin in a semifinal of the Italian Open.

1980: Won French Open

In 1980, Evert won a title at the French Open, extending her clay court streak before it ended.

1981: Lost to Hana Mandlikova at French Open

In 1981, Evert had a semifinal loss to eventual winner Hana Mandlíková at the French Open.

1983: Won French Open Title

In 1983, Chris Evert won one of her seven French Open titles.

1983: President of the Women's Tennis Association

In 1983, Evert began her tenure as president of the Women's Tennis Association, a role she held for eleven years across two periods.

1983: Reached the semifinals

In 1983, Evert reached the semifinals or better in 52 of the 56 majors she played, including at 34 consecutive majors entered from the 1971 US Open through the 1983 French Open.

1983: President of WTA

In 1983, Evert served as president of the Women's Tennis Association.

November 1985: Regained the number-one spot

In November 1985, Evert regained the number-one spot at the age of 30 years and 11 months, making her the oldest woman to have reached WTA number one at the time.

1985: Defeated Navratilova at French Open

In 1985, Evert defeated Navratilova 6–3, 6–7, 7–5 at the French Open, capturing the world No. 1 computer ranking for the fifth and final time.

1986: Streak of winning at least one Grand Slam title a year ended

In 1986, Evert's streak of winning at least one Grand Slam singles title a year ended, after 13 consecutive years beginning in 1974.

1989: Retired from professional tour

In 1989, Evert played a reduced schedule and retired from the professional tour after the US Open.

1991: President of WTA

In 1991, Evert served as president of the Women's Tennis Association.

June 2011: Joined ESPN as Tennis Commentator

In June 2011, Chris Evert joined ESPN as a tennis commentator for Grand Slam tournaments.

2015: Launched Chrissie by Tail Apparel Line

In 2015, Chris Evert launched a line of tennis and active apparel in collaboration with Tail Activewear called Chrissie by Tail.

2019: Member of Athlete Advisory Committee for Aurora Games

In 2019, Chris Evert was a member of the Athlete Advisory Committee for the Aurora Games.

2021: Support for Women's Sports Policy Working Group

In 2021, Chris Evert became a supporter of the new Women's Sports Policy Working Group, which was formed in opposition to President Joe Biden's executive order regarding transgender female athletes.