“I miss my family time with Andy and the kids,” Chris Evert once said of her ex-husband Andy Mill. The 18-time Grand Slam champion’s history with the former alpine ski racer Mill spans over 18 years of marriage, which Evert considers the “best years” of her life. They might have split almost two decades ago, but Mill’s presence – and friendship that has lasted more than 36 years – in her life is still precious to the former tennis player, especially during her tough battles!

On August 21, Evert engaged in a heartfelt conversation on Good Morning America about her fight against ovarian cancer. First diagnosed in 2022, Evert beat cancer once but went into remission in December 2023. But since then, she’s beaten the disease once again. While the majority of the interview focused on her fight and raising awareness about ovarian cancer, the last segment of the interview was more about her personal life – and a new development in it.

The host exclaimed, “You’re a grandma! I see it all over your socials!” That was Chris Evert’s cue to talk about her grandson, Hayden James (her son Nicholas’ baby). As soon as she started, they showed this picture of her holding little Hayden alongside Andy Mill, which was captioned, “Bonding with our grandson, Hayden James…Loving our growing family ❤️”

Delighted to share her experience, the former player took notice of the family photo and took the opportunity to mention Mill, too! The 69-year-old said at first, “Little James, my grandson. There he is.” And then, in a lighthearted jab, she added, “Oh, there is Andy. Good old Andy. Always hanging around these pictures. My ex-husband.”

However, when the host asked her, “He’s been there for you?” Evert’s tone shifted from playful to sincere, revealing the depth of Mill’s impact on her life. “Yes, he has. I’m giving him a hard time,” the former World No. 1 warmly confirmed with a smile. Her acknowledgment highlighted the enduring bond they share, transcending their past marriage. 

Evert tied the knot with Andy in 1988, shortly after her divorce from former tennis player John Llyod. The former World No. 1 has three children with Mill, but their marriage ended in 2006. But as Evert once admitted, “That was 20 years of history.” 20 years of not just love but also friendship, which was paramount during her two cancer battles. As she navigated some of the most challenging periods of her life, Mill’s steadfast support for her remained the same. 

The American player’s Stage 1 ovarian cancer journey was a period that left her feeling “anxious” and “shocked.” She fought the disease once in 2022 with Mill right by her, accompanying Evert to her chemotherapy sessions. The American shared a sweet message for her former husband on X: “Happy you took me to my second chemo today, Andy; just like old times.” But unfortunately, it returned last year. Thus began her strenuous sessions of chemotherapy and hospital visits once again! 

But even the second time, Andy Mill didn’t leave Evert’s side. Appreciating her ex-husband for all that he was doing for her, the 69-year-old posted a picture with Andy in her hospital room, writing, “Onto my 3rd round of Chemo; halfway there – A reminder to get your checkups, know your family history, and be your own advocate with your health. Early detection is crucial! It doesn’t hurt to have a good support system like I do :)”

Luckily, the seven-time French Open champion is cancer-free now. Among many other aspects, Evert is grateful for her “greatest friend’s” support during the challenging times. “Thank you to my incredible sister Clare, my ex-husband/greatest friend, Andy, and my three sons who have been by my side.” However, when it comes to their relationship, Evert still has one regret!

Chris Evert blames “nobody” but herself for the end of her marriage to Andy Mill

During an interview with Woman’s Day Magazine in 2010, Chris Evert, who retired from tennis in 1989, shared her candid reflection on why their marriage ended. Shortly after her split with Mill, Evert started dating former golfer Greg Norman. Both Evert and Norman decided to split with their spouses to start their relationship. 

In 2008, they got married, but their relationship ended within 18 months. Reminiscing about her time with Andy Mill, Evert said, “I blame nobody but me for leaving my marriage [to Mill]. But I have been trying to figure out why I crossed that line. What was it in me that I allowed myself to fall in love with another man when I was in a marriage?” 

In fact, she even calls her marriage to Andy “the best part” of her life. In a 2016 interview, the former World No. 1 admitted, “I’ve had a three-part life and for me, the best part by far was being married to Andy, having kids, and being a family. If I could do it over again, I’d have taken some time to really think about what was wrong and try to make it work.”

It’s been almost two decades since they split, but they’re still best friends. Living less than 20 minutes from each other in Florida, they make it a point to spend time and support one another as much as possible. And as Chris Evert continues to inspire fans worldwide, her tribute to Andy Mill reminds us that true support knows no boundaries!