“I think that was my impact, making it OK for young girls and women to be athletes, bringing along a whole new generation,” said WTA legend and 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert while celebrating her 70th birthday last week. The former World No.1’s love for the racket sport has extended beyond the court even after her retirement decades ago. Especially when it comes to uplifting young girls who aspire to be like her. This becomes evident from Evert’s commitment to training future tennis stars. Even if it means giving up on Christmas celebrations!

For the unversed, Evert has got her own tennis academy. There, she trains young kids, including girls, who will go on to become future tennis stars. Established in 1996 in Boca Raton, Florida, by Evert, John, and their father, Jimmy, the academy has gained a lot of popularity in the last two decades. “By combining the experience of a champion with world-class coaching, cutting-edge training methods and premier facilities, the Evert Tennis Academy is able to offer unrivalled programs for players of all ages and abilities,” reads the official description on her training academy’s website. Through this academy, Evert has heavily focused on shaping young girls and their dreams.

The ex-American pro took to her Instagram and shared a post dated December 24 while giving a glimpse from her academy.“Proud of my @everttennisacademy girls showing up for Christmas eve practice ❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏💪🏼”, wrote an energetic and proud trainer Evert. She was seen smiling while posing for a group photo with all her young female students.

Seems like the WTA legend is focusing more on spending time with her girl squad at the academy than being a part of festive activities at home. But that’s Chris Evert for you – she always stands for what she believes in. And who can understand it better than her longtime rival and best friend, Martina Navratilova? When Evert turned 70 a few days ago, the 18-time Grand Slam winner and ex-Czech and American pro had a special message to share with her friend.

Martina Navratilova shares a heartfelt message on Chris Evert’s 70th birthday

For the unversed, both tennis icons have shared various moments of rivalry during their careers. They faced each other in the same year they first met during the Akron Tennis Open. It was the first of their 80 overall encounters against one another. It included 60 title clashes as well. Take, for example, their epic Wimbledon final of 1978 or their three-set championship battle of the Australian Open in 1981. Not to mention the French Open final of 1985, which, according to Evert herself, is one of her favorite games to play against her longtime friend.

On her 70th birthday, Martina shared an emotional message for Chris Evert while cherishing their friendship. Taking to X, Navratilova shared a post and wrote, “Happy 70th today to my friend, nemesis, partner and most of all an amazing, strong, resilient and compassionate woman, champion of champions! Lots of love, m. Here is looking at you, kid:) @ChrissieEvert.” 

On a previous occasion, Navratilova had revealed the exact moment they turned amazing friends from being on-court foes. Speaking during a media conference in last year’s GNP Seguros WTA Finals Cancun, Martina said, “I think the moment we became really good friends was the moment we realized that something was bigger than ourselves individually.” Reacting to her, Evert said, “I think you and I looked at each other after, like, 50 matches. We’re like, ‘Whoa, look at that crowd.’” What are your thoughts on these two WTA legends’ inseparable bond? Let us know in the comments below.