Hello, Tennis fans! If you love following the Tennis and admire world-class, Chris Evert is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Chris Evert is a retired American tennis legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, with 18 Grand Slam singles titles and a huge influence on women’s tennis. As of early 2026, she is 71, financially comfortable, divorced, a mother of three sons, and still active in media and tennis-related work.
Chris Evert’s Biography
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Christine Marie Evert |
| Nicknames | Chrissie, The Ice Maiden, The Ice Princess, Little Miss Cool |
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1954 |
| Current Age | 71 years old |
| Place of Birth | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Education | St. Thomas Aquinas High School |
| Turned Professional | December 21, 1972 |
| Net Worth | $16 million |
| Annual Salary | Estimated $500,000 – $1 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced (3 times married) |
| Partner | N/A |
| Instagram Handle | @chrissieevert |
Early Career
Chris Evert’s introduction to tennis began in her childhood when her father, Jimmy Evert, a professional tennis coach, taught her the fundamentals of the game at just five years old. By 1967, at merely twelve years of age, she won the women’s singles at the prestigious Orange Bowl in Florida, signaling her exceptional talent early on. Her rise through the junior ranks was meteoric—by 1969, she achieved the top national ranking in the under-14 category.
At just sixteen years old, Evert made her Grand Slam debut at the 1971 US Open, where she shocked the tennis world by reaching the semifinals as the youngest semifinalist in tournament history. Though Billie Jean King stopped her run in the semifinals, this performance established Evert as a force to be reckoned with in professional tennis.
Professional Career
Evert turned professional on her eighteenth birthday in December 1972, signing an endorsement deal with Wilson that commemorated the occasion. Her professional debut marked the beginning of an extraordinary career that would reshape women’s tennis. In 1973, she won her first professional tournament in March and continued to build momentum throughout the decade. Her breakthrough came in 1974 when she clinched her first Grand Slam title at the French Open, defeating Olga Morozova in straight sets. That same year, she won Wimbledon as well, cementing her status as a major championship contender.
Evert’s dominance intensified throughout the mid-1970s, particularly after she became the world’s first-ever number one ranked player on November 3, 1975. She maintained either the world number one or number two ranking from 1975 to 1986, a remarkable twelve-year period of consistency. Her greatest achievement was winning at least one Grand Slam title for thirteen consecutive years from 1974 through 1986, a record that still stands. She reached thirty-four Grand Slam finals during her career, more than any other player in history, winning eighteen of them. Her incredible winning percentage of 89.97 percent (1,309 wins against 146 losses) remains the best in Open Era tennis history for both men and women.
Chris Evert’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Chris Evert’s current net worth stands at approximately $16 million, a substantial accumulation built through multiple revenue streams throughout her life. During her professional tennis career from 1973 to 1989, she earned approximately $8.9 million in tournament prize money, a remarkable achievement for that era. Adjusted for inflation, those earnings would equate to roughly $30 million in today’s dollars. However, her wealth extends far beyond competitive prize money—endorsement deals with major brands such as Wilson Sporting Goods, Nike, Ellesse, Converse, and various lifestyle companies contributed several million dollars to her income. She was pioneering in her endorsement approach, becoming one of the first female athletes to command significant sponsorship deals, and her signature Converse sneakers became iconic in tennis history.
Prize Money
| Tournament | Wins | Finals Appearances | Prize Money Highlight |
| French Open | 7 titles (1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986) | 9 finals | Record holder; 72-6 match record on clay |
| US Open | 6 titles (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981) | Record 101-13 match record | Most singles wins at one Grand Slam |
| Wimbledon | 3 titles (1974, 1976, 1981) | 7 finals appearances | 1974 championship marked breakthrough |
| Australian Open | 2 titles (1982, 1984) | 2 finals appearances | Later-career achievements |
| Total Grand Slams | 18 singles titles (5th all-time) | 34 finals (record) | Career prize money: $8,895,195 |
| Career Singles Titles | 157 tournaments won | Most titles by women (behind Navratilova’s 167) | First to reach $1 million (1976) |
| Career Doubles Titles | 32 doubles championships | 3 Grand Slam doubles titles | Mixed doubles finalist (1974) |
Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
- Wilson Sporting Goods – Her primary racquet supplier and equipment endorsement partner throughout her career, helping to popularize Wilson tennis racquets among aspiring players worldwide
- Nike – One of the first major female athletes to endorse the sportswear brand, showcasing their apparel during matches and public appearances during the 1970s and 1980s
- Converse – Created a signature tennis sneaker for Evert, the iconic red and white shoes specifically designed for a woman’s foot and featuring her name on the tongue
- Ellesse – In 1980, Evert became one of the first major tennis stars to endorse the Italian brand, wearing Ellesse both on and off the court
- Virginia Slims – Endorsed the cigarette brand during an era of significant women’s tennis sponsorship, reflecting marketing strategies of that historical period
- Rolex – Luxury watch brand partnership reflecting her elite status and high-end market positioning
- Adidas – Footwear and apparel endorsements supporting her professional and personal activities
- Head – Equipment and racquet partnerships with the brand during her later competitive years
- Wheaties – Featured on the “Breakfast of Champions” cereal box in the late 1980s, reflecting her status as one of the world’s most recognized athletes
Career Records
| Record Category | Achievement | Notable Context |
| Career Winning Percentage | 89.97% (1,309-146) | Best in Open Era history, male or female |
| Clay Court Winning Percentage | 94.55% (382-22) | WTA Tour record; unmatched dominance on clay |
| World No. 1 Ranking | 260 weeks (4th all-time) | Also ranked No. 1 or No. 2 for 12 consecutive years (1975-1986) |
| Year-End World No. 1 | 7 times (1974-1978, 1980, 1981) | Uninterrupted dominance throughout the 1970s |
| Grand Slam Finals | 34 finals (record) | 18 wins, 16 runners-up |
| Consecutive Grand Slam Wins | 13 consecutive years | Won at least one major title annually 1974-1986 |
| Consecutive Match Wins | 55 matches (1974) | Then-record later broken by Navratilova’s 74 (1984) |
| Clay Court Streak | 125 consecutive wins | August 1973 – May 1979 across 24 tournaments |
| US Open Record | 101-13 match record; 6 titles | Most singles wins at any Grand Slam |
| French Open Titles | Record 7 titles | Stood for 27 years until Nadal’s 8th in 2013 |
| Grand Slam Semifinal Record | 52 of 56 majors (92.8%) | Never lost first or second round of a major |
| 1,000th Career Match Win | December 1984 (Australian Open) | First player ever to achieve this milestone |
| Head-to-Head vs. Navratilova | 37-43 record (80 matches) | Greatest tennis rivalry of all time |
| Federal Cup Record | 40-2 singles, 17-2 doubles | Led USA to multiple Fed Cup championships |
| Fed Cup Titles | Multiple championship teams | 1977-1982, 1986-1987, 1989 participation |
FAQs
1. What is Chris Evert’s biggest achievement in tennis?
Chris Evert’s biggest achievement is winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record seven French Open titles and six US Open titles. Combined with her .900 winning percentage (1,309-146), which remains the best in professional tennis history, and her 157 total singles titles, these accomplishments position her as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her ability to win at least one Grand Slam title for 13 consecutive years further solidifies her extraordinary legacy.
2. How many matches did Chris Evert play against Martina Navratilova?
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova played 80 matches during their 16-year rivalry from 1973 to 1988, with 60 of those matches being finals. Navratilova led their overall head-to-head record 43-37, while Navratilova also dominated Grand Slam finals with a 10-4 record. However, Evert dominated on clay courts, leading their clay court matchups 11-3. Their rivalry is widely considered the greatest in tennis history.
3. When did Chris Evert turn professional and how old was she?
Chris Evert turned professional in December 1972 at just 18 years old. However, she had already made her mark as an amateur at the 1971 US Open at age 16, reaching the semifinals and capturing national attention. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale shortly after turning professional and immediately became a dominant force on the women’s professional tennis circuit.
4. What surfaces did Chris Evert play best on?
Chris Evert dominated on clay courts, where she compiled an extraordinary 94.55% winning percentage (382-22), a WTA record that still stands today. She also performed exceptionally well on hard courts and indoor surfaces. While she won Wimbledon three times on grass and won multiple titles on other surfaces, her clay court dominance was unparalleled. Her 125-match clay court winning streak from 1973 to 1979 remains one of tennis’s most remarkable achievements.
5. How many children does Chris Evert have?
Chris Evert has three sons, all born to her second husband Andy Mill. Their names are Alexander James Mill, Nicholas Joseph Mill, and Colton Jack Mill. All three sons are now adults. Evert has spoken openly about how important her role as a mother has been throughout her life, and she maintains close relationships with her family.
6. What is Chris Evert’s current profession and role in tennis?
Chris Evert has remained deeply involved in tennis since her retirement in 1989. She serves as a commentator and analyst for ESPN, providing expert coverage of Grand Slam tournaments. She is the publisher of Tennis magazine and contributes regularly to the publication. Additionally, she co-founded the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida, with her father and brother, and has founded Chris Evert Charities, which focuses on drug abuse prevention and helping underprivileged children.
7. How much prize money did Chris Evert earn during her career?
During her professional career, Chris Evert earned approximately $8,895,195 in tournament prize money. This substantial amount was significant for the era in which she played, as prize money in women’s tennis during the 1970s and 1980s was considerably lower than it is today. When adjusted for inflation, her career earnings would be equivalent to approximately $30 million in current dollars, demonstrating the value of her accomplishments during her playing years.
8. Has Chris Evert been diagnosed with cancer?
Yes, Chris Evert has publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis and recovery. In January 2022, she announced that she had been diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer. She underwent six chemotherapy sessions and completed her final treatment on May 9, 2022. In December 2023, she revealed that she had been re-diagnosed with cancer, but in July 2024, she announced that she was cancer-free once again. Her courage and openness about her health journey have inspired many of her fans.
9. What endorsement deals has Chris Evert had?
Chris Evert has been associated with several major brands throughout her career and beyond. Most notably, she became the first female tennis player to be selected as a Rolex testimonial in 1978, beginning a partnership that has lasted for decades. She also had endorsement deals with Wilson sporting goods and Nike. In recent years, she launched her own line of tennis apparel called “Chrissie by Tail,” designed to bring high-quality athletic wear to tennis players and active individuals worldwide.
10. What is Chris Evert’s height and physical characteristics?
Chris Evert stands 5 feet 6 inches tall (1.68 meters), which was considered relatively short for a professional tennis player even during her playing era. Despite her modest height compared to some of her rivals, she compensated with exceptional footwork, court positioning, and mental toughness. Her baseline-driven playing style and consistency made her height irrelevant, as she proved that technical skill and mental strength could overcome physical limitations in professional tennis.