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Tennis legend Chris Evert celebrated her 70th birthday on Saturday, December 21. Renowned figures from the tennis world, including Billie Jean King and her former peers Martina Navratilova and Tracy Austin, extended their heartfelt wishes. Evert later reciprocated the warm messages, expressing her gratitude and love.
At just 16, Evert made an unforgettable debut at the 1971 US Open, reaching the semifinals. The former World No. 1 embarked on a remarkable tennis career, holding the top spot for 260 weeks, a record that still places her fourth on the all-time list.
On the occasion of her 70th birthday, Martina Navratilova, her longtime rival and close friend, sent heartfelt wishes, dubbing her as "champion of champions."
Evert responded by writing:
"Luv ya back @Martina."
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Meanwhile, two-time Major champion Tracy Austin penned down a touching note on X, calling her a role model and inspiration. Evert replied:
"Thank you, Tracy!❤️❤️❤️"
Legend, Billie Jean King, highlighted Evert's achievements while wishing her.
"On this day in 1954, a future tennis legend was born! Happy birthday to 18x Grand Slam singles champion, the first woman athlete to be @SInow's sole recipient of the "Sportsperson of the Year" award, and our dear friend, @ChrissieEvert!"
Evert replied:
"thank you Billie and Ilana! ❤️❤️❤️"
When Chris Evert celebrated Martina Navratilova's 68th birthday
Martina Navratilova celebrated her 68th birthday on Friday, October 18, with a dinner attended by her wife, Julia Lemigova, and fellow 18-time Major champion, Chris Evert.
Evert had taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo of herself with Navratilova, accompanied by a heartfelt birthday message that read:
"Happy birthday to my great friend (and rival!) Martina Navratilova who always has my back and continues to inspire me with her strength and resilience. Love our friendship," she wrote.
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova were once intense competitors on the court, but in the years following their retirements, they have cultivated a deep and enduring friendship.
The rivalry between the two tennis legends spanned nearly 15 years, with the pair contesting 80 matches, 60 of which were finals. However, the 68-year-old held the edge, winning 43 of those encounters, while Evert triumphed in 37.
Both share a deep mutual respect. Recently, Evert suggested on social media the idea of erecting a statue of Navratilova at Wimbledon, in recognition of her remarkable achievement of winning the championship nine times, the most in the Open Era.
