Lasting Legacy of Chris Evert: A Look at the Influence on History

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Chris Evert

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Chris Evert—a timeline of influence.

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.

1974: Chris Evert (horse) won Filly Triple Crown

In 1974, the racehorse named after Chris Evert won the U.S. Filly Triple Crown, was voted the Eclipse Award for Outstanding 3-Year-Old Filly, and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

April 1985: Voted Greatest Woman Athlete of the Last 25 Years

In April 1985, Evert was voted the "Greatest Woman Athlete of the Last 25 Years" by the Women's Sports Foundation.

1995: Elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame

In 1995, Evert was elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

1997: Awarded the Philippe Chatrier Award

In 1997, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) presented Evert with its highest accolade – the Philippe Chatrier Award.

1999: Rated No. 50 among ESPN's Greatest North American athletes

In 1999, Evert was rated No. 50 among ESPN's Greatest North American athletes of the 20th century.

2005: Named fourth on list of 40 Greatest Players of the Tennis era

In 2005, Tennis named Evert fourth on its list of 40 Greatest Players of the Tennis era.

2012: Ranked ninth overall in Tennis Channel's poll

In 2012, Evert ranked ninth overall in Tennis Channel's poll of the 100 Greatest Players of all time.

June 2013: Awarded a special merit from the International Tennis Hall of Fame

In June 2013, Evert was awarded a special merit from the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

June 2013: Rafael Nadal broke record of French Open singles titles

In June 2013, Rafael Nadal broke Evert's record of seven French Open singles titles.

2013: Serena Williams surpasses Evert's record.

In 2013, Serena Williams surpassed Evert as the oldest woman to have reached WTA number one, a record she had held.

2018: Rafael Nadal broke record of most clay court Grand Slam titles

In 2018, Rafael Nadal won his 11th French Open championship surpassing Evert's record for most clay court Grand Slam titles