‘Women’s Tennis Exploded in Popularity’ – Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova’s ‘Greatest Rivalry’ Hailed as Catalyst for WTA’s Golden Era

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are the two legendary figures who have undoubtedly graced the tennis courts during the ’70s and ’80s era. While sharing a fierce rivalry on the women’s tour, the former tennis aces amassed a combined total of 36 Grand Slam singles titles during their heydays. Notably, the American tennis legends’ illustrious legacies are now being hailed by their compatriot, Billie Jean King.

The former tennis players have faced off 80 times on the court, leading to the inception of a rivalry that amplified the popularity of women’s tennis. Emphasizing the same, King recently opened up about how Navratilova and Evert’s ‘greatest rivalry’ was the emergence of the golden era on the WTA circuit.

Billie Jean King hails Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert’s fierce rivalry

In the latest episode of Groundbreakers, the Hall of Famer was singing the praise of her compatriots while calling them “all-time greats” in the tennis realm. Billie Jean King further asserted that women’s tennis exploded in popularity during the ’70s and ’80s because of Martina and Evert’s fierce rivalry on the court.

The former tennis ace said, “Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are all-time greats in the tennis world, and their rivalry is the greatest in sports history. Over a magical golden era in the ’70s and ’80s, women’s tennis exploded in popularity, thanks in part to the two fierce competitors: Chrissie Evert and Martina Navratilova who played 80 times and staged in my opinion, the greatest rivalry in the history of sports.”

While labeling their competition “the greatest rivalry in the history of sports,” Billie Jean King also lauded the remarkable legacy carved out by the American tennis legends during their heydays on the tour.

King on how the American tennis legends have pulled off historic feats

During the conversation, the 12-time singles Grand Slam champion also heaped admiration on her compatriots for their remarkable achievements in the singles category. King said, “Individually, Martina won the most singles titles in history with 167, while Chrissie trailed close behind at second place, with 157 titles.”

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The American tennis veteran added, “They took it to a whole new level. This is our first generation of real pros. They are like all-time greats. When Martina and Chrissie joined the Virginia Tour with us, they amplified its popularity through their notorious rivalry, shining a bright light on the tour, and ushering in a new generation of stars.”

What do you think of King hailing her compatriots’ rivalry as the greatest on the tennis circuit? Let us know in the comments section.

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