Chris Evert – ESPN Announces New Tennis Documentary Series Premiering Summer 2025
Chris Evert stands as one of the most accomplished figures in tennis history. She has brought her expertise to ESPN as an analyst since 2011. With an illustrious career that includes 18 Grand Slam victories and becoming the first player to win 1,000 singles matches, Evert’s transition to broadcasting has been seamless. Her deep knowledge of the game and articulate commentary have made her a valued voice during ESPN’s coverage of all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Unfortunately, Evert has recently stepped away from her ESPN duties due to health concerns. In December 2023, she announced a recurrence of ovarian cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. This marks a temporary pause in her broadcasting career, where she has become known for her straightforward analysis and insights drawn from her own championship experience.
Despite some criticism of her analytical style, with some tennis fans questioning her takes on players like Coco Gauff, Evert’s presence on ESPN broadcasts brings credibility and historical perspective. Her commentary connects today’s tennis stars with the sport’s rich history, something few analysts can offer with such authenticity.
Contents
Early Life and Rise to Tennis Prominence
Chris Evert’s journey from a young girl in Florida to tennis superstardom showcases how family influence and early competitive success can shape an extraordinary career. Her disciplined approach and distinctive playing style would become hallmarks of one of tennis’s most decorated champions.
Influence of Family History on Career
Chris Evert was born on December 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where tennis was truly the family business. Her father, Jimmy Evert, played a pivotal role in her development as both parent and coach.
He worked as a tennis professional, spending winters in Florida after meeting Chris’s mother Colette at a club in New Rochelle, New York. This tennis-centered environment provided young Chris with the perfect foundation to develop her skills.
The Evert household breathed tennis. With her father’s guidance, Chris began hitting balls against a backboard at age five, developing the meticulous groundstroke precision that would later become her trademark.
Her four siblings also played tennis, creating a competitive home atmosphere that honed her mental toughness from an early age.
Achievements in Junior Tennis
Evert’s competitive career began spectacularly in the junior ranks. Her methodical baseline game and extraordinary concentration quickly set her apart from peers.
At just 16, she made her breakthrough in 1971 at the U.S. Open, reaching the semifinals as an unknown teenager and establishing herself as America’s next tennis sensation.
Her junior accomplishments culminated in defeating the “wide-eyed butterball from Prague” in Akron, Ohio, in 1973, marking the beginning of her professional dominance.
Evert’s clay court prowess emerged early, foreshadowing her future 125-match winning streak on the surface that would last nearly six years—still a record in professional tennis.
Her junior years established the foundation for an incredible professional career that would see her consistently ranked first or second in the world from 1975 to 1986.
Professional Career and Grand Slam Victories
Chris Evert dominated women’s tennis through the 1970s and 1980s with remarkable consistency and mental toughness. Her baseline game and two-handed backhand became the template for modern tennis.
Rivalries and Memorable Matches
Evert’s most compelling rivalry was with Martina Navratilova, creating one of tennis’s greatest head-to-head matchups. They faced each other an astounding 80 times, with Navratilova holding a slight 43-37 edge. Their contrasting styles—Evert’s precise baseline game versus Navratilova’s attacking serve-and-volley approach—captivated fans worldwide.
On clay courts, Evert was nearly unbeatable. She maintained an incredible 125-match winning streak on clay that lasted almost six years, showcasing her patience and precision.
Her battles with Navratilova at Wimbledon became legendary, though the grass surface favored her rival’s aggressive style. At the French Open, Evert’s consistency and mental fortitude helped her secure seven titles, a record that stood until Rafael Nadal’s era.
Transition to the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Evert’s credentials for the Tennis Hall of Fame were impeccable, with 18 Grand Slam singles titles placing her tied for fourth all-time in women’s tennis. Her Grand Slam distribution shows her versatility across surfaces:
| Tournament | Titles | Finals |
|---|---|---|
| French Open | 7 | 9 |
| US Open | 6 | 9 |
| Wimbledon | 3 | 10 |
| Australian Open | 2 | 6 |
| Total | 18 | 34 |
After retiring in 1989, Evert was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995, a first-ballot selection that recognized her 157 singles titles and record 260 weeks ranked as world No. 1.
Post-retirement, she established the Chris Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida, continuing her influence on the sport by developing young talent and maintaining tennis as her family business.
Chris Evert’s Role at ESPN
Chris Evert has established herself as a cornerstone of ESPN’s tennis coverage since joining the network. Her transition from championship player to respected broadcaster has brought authentic insights and tennis expertise to viewers worldwide.
Contribution as a Tennis Analyst
Chris Evert joined ESPN as a tennis analyst after her illustrious playing career ended. The 18-time Grand Slam champion brings unparalleled expertise to match commentary, offering viewers technical breakdowns that only someone with her playing background could provide.
Evert’s analytical style is straightforward and technically focused. She dissects player strategies, court positioning, and mental approaches with precision, drawing from her own experiences competing at the highest level.
Her commentary appears primarily during major tournaments like the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. While some viewers have criticized aspects of her analysis, her credentials and historical perspective remain valuable to ESPN’s coverage.
In December 2023, Evert announced a hiatus from her ESPN duties due to a recurrence of ovarian cancer, demonstrating the personal challenges behind her professional role.
Impact on Broadcasting Tennis
Evert has helped transform how tennis is presented to American audiences. Her presence brings legitimacy and historical context to ESPN’s coverage, particularly for viewers who remember her rivalry with Martina Navratilova.
As one of the first female players to transition successfully to broadcasting, Evert has paved the way for other women in sports commentary. Her matter-of-fact delivery style emphasizes the technical and tactical elements of matches rather than sensationalizing storylines.
ESPN strategically pairs Evert with different commentators to create balanced broadcast teams. Her chemistry with longtime broadcasting partners creates comfortable viewing experiences during long tournament broadcasts.
Despite taking periodic breaks from broadcasting, including her recent health-related absence, Evert’s connection with ESPN has remained strong since she became an analyst for the network. Her ongoing relationship with ESPN spans multiple decades, making her one of tennis broadcasting’s most enduring voices.
Health and Battles with Cancer
Tennis legend Chris Evert has faced significant health challenges in recent years, battling ovarian cancer with remarkable courage. Her journey has highlighted the importance of genetic testing and early detection in cancer treatment.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Chris Evert was first diagnosed with Stage 1C ovarian cancer following a preventative hysterectomy. This early detection gave her favorable odds, with treatment beginning immediately after diagnosis.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion underwent six rounds of chemotherapy after her initial diagnosis. Following treatment, Evert shared positive news that she was cancer-free with a 90% chance that the ovarian cancer would not return.
Unfortunately, in December 2023, Evert announced a recurrence of cancer. This setback forced her to take a break from her role as an ESPN tennis analyst, including missing coverage of the 2024 Australian Open.
Advocacy for Cancer Awareness and Genetic Testing
Evert’s cancer journey has transformed her into a powerful advocate for genetic testing and early detection. Her experience with the BRCA1 gene mutation, which she inherited from her late sister Jeanne who died from ovarian cancer, underscores the importance of family history.
The tennis icon has been open about her medical decisions, including her preventative hysterectomy that led to her initial diagnosis. This transparency has helped raise awareness about ovarian cancer and genetic risk factors.
Evert has emphasized the life-saving potential of genetic testing, particularly for those with family history of cancer. Her public battle has encouraged many women to consider testing for BRCA mutations, which significantly increase risk for both ovarian and breast cancers.
As she continues her treatment, Evert remains committed to sharing her story to help others detect cancer early when treatment outcomes are most favorable.
Personal Life and Family
Chris Evert, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1954, grew up in a family deeply committed to tennis. Her father, Jimmy Evert, laid the foundation for her legendary career.
After her time on the court, Evert’s personal life included marriage to British tennis player John Lloyd and later to Olympic skier Andy Mill, showing her connections to the athletic world extended beyond tennis.
Evert is a mother to three sons – Colton, Nicholas, and Alexander – from her marriage to Mill, balancing her professional legacy with family responsibilities.
In recent years, Evert has faced significant health challenges. She was diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. Fortunately, she announced she’s cancer-free with a 90% chance the cancer won’t return.
Her cancer journey connects deeply to her family history. Evert’s sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, passed away from ovarian cancer, which prompted Evert to get tested and ultimately led to her early diagnosis.
As she turned 70, Evert continues to reflect on her journey with purpose and meaning, demonstrating the same grit off the court that made her famous on it.
Beyond competition, Evert runs a tennis academy in Boca Raton, Florida, passing her knowledge to future generations of players.
Legacy and Influence in Tennis
Chris Evert is one of tennis’s most dominant figures, with an astounding winning percentage of .900 (1,309-146), the best in professional tennis history. Her methodical baseline game revolutionized women’s tennis in the 1970s and 80s.
Evert became the first player to win 1,000 singles matches in professional tennis. Her consistency was remarkable. She reached at least the semifinals in 52 of her 56 Grand Slam appearances.
The Florida native’s rivalry with Martina Navratilova captivated tennis fans worldwide. They faced each other 80 times on court, creating one of sports’ greatest competitive relationships.
Beyond her playing career, Evert has continued shaping tennis through the Evert Tennis Academy. The academy combines tennis training with academics for young players, and Evert’s dedication to growing the sport remains unwavering.
Evert’s Grand Slam Success:
| Tournament | Titles | Finals |
|---|---|---|
| US Open | 6 | 9 |
| French Open | 7 | 9 |
| Wimbledon | 3 | 10 |
| Australian Open | 2 | 2 |
Evert was born in 1954. Her induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame recognized her as a pioneering figure who elevated women’s tennis through both athletic excellence and grace under pressure.
At 70, Evert continues reflecting on her legacy. She inspires generations of tennis players with her mental toughness and competitive spirit.
