The world first saw Chris Evert’s skill at the 1971 US Open. She was 16 years old, a prodigy who used both hands to execute her backhand, and had established her reputation that year by winning 45 matches in both the junior and senior divisions.

Evert’s game was criticized for being unspectacular at times, with most compliments centered on her steadfast focus and consistency. With her unparalleled two-handed backhand, the ability to identify a passing shot from any part of the court, and command of the baseline, her success would kick-start the silent revolution that has helped form the current game.

Chris Evert recalls her outstanding two-handed backhand

In an interview in 1971, Evert was asked about when and how she developed that two-handed backhand. She said, ?My dad started me with it when I was six years old because I didn’t have enough power to hit it with one hand. So, he thought, well try it with two hands and I’ve you know kept it ever since. It does have a lot of power in it.?

Further, she added, ?I think yes well, two hands. I think you know you have much more power than just with one hand, but as far as your reach goes, one-handed is better.?

Read more – ?That?s Kinda Scary?- Chris Evert Gets Spooked by the Optical Illusion Shared by Martina Navratilova

Evert was one of the first players to utilize a two-handed backhand effectively against top players on the tour. This has motivated countless others to continue using the same strategy today.

Chris Evert’s stellar tennis career

Evert made her Grand Slam debut at the 1971 US Open. At the age of barely 16, Evert advanced to the semifinals before falling to Billie Jean King. She advanced to the Wimbledon and French Open finals in 1973.

She attained at least one Grand Slam singles championship between 1974 and 1986. In total, she won two Australian Open, six U.S. Open, three Wimbledon trophies, and seven French?Open crowns.

She competed in 56 Grand Slam singles matches. And made it to the finals in 52 of them and to the semifinals in 34. Her overall record at Grand Slam competitions was 297-38, and her singles career record was 1,309-146, a record no player in the history of tennis has been able to surpass.

Watch this story – Chris Evert once narrated a time when she fell out with laughter owing to Martina Navratilova’s innocent act after a brutal loss.

In 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1981, Evert finished the year as the top-ranked player. The only player who challenged her records was Navratilova. subsequently, most fans consider them as two of the greatest players in the history of the sport.