Chris Evert in splits over Mardy Fish's shirtless picture tribute on James Blake's birthday

Chris Evert hilariously reacted to Mardy Fish wishing James Blake a birthday with a shirtless selfie. Fish's caption asserted that he took inspiration from Blake's viral bathtub photoshoot for Evian inside Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows on July 29, 2006.

On December 28, 2024, Evert's younger counterpart and fellow former US player, James Blake, who won ten titles on the ATP Tour, celebrated his 45th birthday. His compatriot Mardy Fish wished him with a shirtless selfie, a nod to the former's nude photoshoot for Evian at the 2006 US Open.

Fish's X caption read:

"In honor of James Blake’s birthday today, here is a picture of me with me shirt off."

Evert reacted with a series of teary-eyed laughing emojis.

James Blake, who held a career-high ranking of No. 4, has three Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances in his wall of fame. He lost to Roger Federer in the quarterfinals of the 2006 US Open but recorded his first-ever set win against the Swiss.

43-year-old Mardy Fish also played during Blake's competitive years. Besides three Grand Slam quarterfinals, Fish has an Olympic silver in his resume, winning at the 2004 Athens Games.

Chris Evert received a heartwarming message from her long-time friend and former rival Martina Navratilova on her 70th birthday

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert at the French Open Tennis Tournament. Roland-Garros 2024. - (Source: Getty)

Chris Evert made headlines for her rivalry with Martina Navratilova on the tennis court in the 1970s and 1980s. The duo went head-on in 80 matches and the latter led 43-37 in overall head-to-head. Despite years of rivalry, Evert and Navratilova shared mutual respect on and off the court that continues.

The latter took to her X handle on the occasion of the American's birthday on December 21, 2024, penning a heartfelt note, reading:

"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:)"

On December 24, 2024, the 18-time major singles title winner took pride in the Evert Tennis Academy girls who graced the practice court on Christmas Eve.

"Proud of Evert Tennis Academy girls for showing up for Christmas Eve practice."

Chris Evert has six US Open and seven French Open titles from 1974 to 1986 in her repertoire alongside other accolades. Having dominated the sport in her time and held the No. 1 position for 260 weeks, Evert drew a line to her storied professional career in 1989. She continues to be in touch with her sport, running the Evert Tennis Academy with her brother and even contributing to Tennis magazine.