Iga Swiatek’s reign on clay is one to remember for years! To think that she hasn’t lost a match at Roland Garros since 2022 is simply remarkable. The Pole may have taken her French Open tally to four this year, and with all the buzz around Swiatek about her greatness on the surface, it’s easy to forget the legends who walked before her – who were just as great if not greater. And if there’s anyone qualified to talk about winning the French Open, it’s Chris Evert.

With her seven titles in the French capital, no one in the women’s circuit comes close to her level of success. However, considering how dominant Iga Swiatek is proving to be, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before those four titles become seven. Defeating first-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini in 68 minutes with an easy 6-2, 6-1 this year, Swiatek will possibly set an unreachable record of her own the day she retires. But for now, Chris Evert remains the undisputed Queen of Roland Garros. And the thing is, she could’ve had more.

Iga Swiatek has Chris Evert “worried”

In a conversation on the Tennis Channel Live podcast, Evert’s then-on-court rival and now-off-court admirer, Martina Navratilova, discussed Swiatek’s reign of terror on clay. While Evert won her 7 titles between 1974 and 1986, the 23-year-old Pole has won 4 in 5 years. Seeing as she’s just at the beginning of her career, she looks set to obliterate the American’s record. But on the podcast, Navratilova & Co. couldn’t discredit just how great Chris Evert was.

Prakash Amritraj said, “There’s a statue of Rafa Nadal in front of Philippe-Chatrier. What Chrissy’s done on clay – 382 in 22. That’s a winning percentage of 95% on this surface.” Navratilova quickly responded, “There needs to be a statue of her, too, at Roland Garros. I’ve been saying that for years.” Co-host Steve Weissman added, “She missed 3 years from 1976 to 1978, playing as the World TeamTennis. The three women who won here [in that time], she had a 58-1 record against them.” That prompted Navratilova to say, “She would have won three more if she played.”

World TeamTennis was a mixed-gender professional league played in teams, as the name suggests. It was a landmark event because it was the first professional tournament to grant equal status to each player competing. Considering this and that the event was played when Roland Garros took place, many players left their WTA and ATP duties to participate in WTT. Martina Navratilova said so much herself, “None of us played [in those three years] because the tournaments or World TeamTennis was bigger than playing the French Open or the Australian Open.”

The Czech-American added, “Times have changed. Now, it’s all about the majors. Back then, it was about the Tour, Wimbledon, and the US Open. And then the WTA finals at the end of the year. So yeah, it wasn’t that much about that. But still, when you won Roland Garros, you knew that was something special.” When Chris Evert burst into the scene, the French Open was an outlier among the majors. The court’s red clay, which presented a stark contrast to the grass courts, was yet to be accepted by the tennis world. However, with her two-handed back-hands approach and success on the surface, Evert inadvertently started a revolution.

With a record of 72-6 at the tournament, Evert’s achievement in tennis was only surpassed by Rafael Nadal later on, 112-4. But after winning two consecutive titles (1974 and 1975), she remained absent for three years. But when she returned to the French Open in 1979, she returned with a bang, winning the title. And over the next six years, she won four more. That said, while Navratilova defended her best friend’s success at the French Open, the player in question wasn’t so sure herself.

While speaking on Eurosport, Chris Evert joked, “When I put my head under the pillow, I’m worried about Iga.” On a more serious note, she added, “I think Iga will end up on double digits. I don’t just think she will beat my record here – I think it’s double digits.” All said and done, this year was a special one for Evert at Roland Garros because it marked the 50th anniversary of her maiden title in 1974. This wasn’t just any win; it marked the beginning of a dominant career for the young Evert.

While she has found supporters all over the world, Evert’s former No. 1 rival, Navratilova, has always been a fan. It even extends to her off-court battles. Especially during Evert’s cancer battle, when Navratilova made sure to be by her side.

The time when Martina and Chris showed each other support during their cancer battles

Martina Navratilova’s battle with cancer wasn’t a solitary fight. A key source of strength came from her former rival, Chris Evert, who had faced her own battle with ovarian cancer two years prior. The tables had turned, with Evert now offering support to Navratilova.

When Chris Evert announced that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer for the second time, it worried her fans. However, the 18-time Grand Slam champion soon found comfort in her friend, Martina Navratilova. Navratilova, who herself battled throat cancer, showed her support for the ESPN analyst as they spent some time together, enjoying each other’s company last year. 

Later, Evert took to her Instagram and wrote, “We’re in this together! 💪🏼👊🙏 Thanks for the delicious food ⁦ @Martina❤️.” Their shared experience – the “emotional battle” of battling cancer – allowed them to connect on a deeper level. As both of them continue to support each other through the ups and downs of their lives, the tennis world will continue to witness their ever-evolving friendship!