Chris Evert reacts to Billie Jean King recognizing her accomplishment on 49th anniversary of her historic WTA World No. 1 debut

Chris Evert recently responded as Billie Jean King applauded her for being the first WTA World No.1 on the 49th anniversary of the achievement. Evert, often regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, spent a total of 260 weeks as World No.1 during her career.

Billie Jean King, along with pioneers like Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, and Judy Dalton, played a key role in founding the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973. The WTA was created to promote women’s tennis, secure equal pay, and establish a ranking system.

In 1975, the ranking system was introduced, and Chris Evert became the first player to achieve the No. 1 ranking. That year, she won her second French Open title and the first of her six US Open titles.

On Sunday, Jean King took to X to congratulate Evert on the 49th anniversary of being the first player to top the WTA rankings. Evert responded by retweeting the post and adding a series of love emojis.

Chris Evert retired from the sport in 1989, while Billie Jean King retired a year later in 1990. During their careers, they faced each other 26 times, with Evert winning 19 of those matches. Both have since been inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Billie Jean King understood Chris Evert's struggles with fan support

Chris Evert at the 2024 French Open. - Source: Getty

While speaking to The New York Times in 1978, Billie Jean King shared that Chris Evert struggles with seeking public approval. She also said that fans often identify with losers over winners, which she finds disappointing as it reflects a lack of self-respect among the public:

“Chris does not handle that well. Athletes are entertainers; they really want the world to love them. But that's not love; it's gratification, not love. When you can separate the two, that's when you can handle it," Jean King said.

“People cannot identify with winners. They identify with the loser, which I don't like. It shows that the public has no self‐respect. Sometimes I want to grab the mike and say, "Heeey, no self respect tonight, folks," she said.

In the same interview, King continued by saying Evert seeks public affection and encouraged her to concentrate on offering love instead.

“Chris wants people to love her. And I say, "Chris, why don't you turn it around and look for someone to lave?" To hear her say what her feelings are about the crowd brings back memories. I see her in pain a lot. But at least we're able to communicate," King said.

Since retiring, Evert has taken on commentary duties with ESPN and co-owns a tennis academy with her brother John. She has also regularly attended Grand Slam events.