#ChrisEvert

[tennisonthebrain-blog]

Ranking the Greatest Grass Court Players of the Open Era (Women)

As we celebrate the beginning of the grass court season, it's the perfect time to look back at some of the greatest female players who have dominated on this unique surface. Grass courts, with their fast pace and low bounce, require a special set of skills and strategic prowess. If we take into account all grass court tournaments, including the US Open before 1975 and the Australian Open when it was played on grass, the rankings and statistics reveal even more about these legends.

1. Martina Navratilova: The Grass Court Queen

Martina Navratilova is widely considered the greatest grass court player in the history of women's tennis. She claimed an astounding nine Wimbledon singles titles between 1978 and 1990, a record that still stands. Navratilova's aggressive serve-and-volley game, combined with her athleticism and sharp instincts at the net, made her almost unbeatable on grass.

Her first Wimbledon crown in 1978 was particularly notable as she came from a set down to defeat Chris Evert. Navratilova’s rivalry with Evert, especially on grass, was a highlight of her career. In total, Navratilova secured 32 grass-court singles titles, showcasing her enduring excellence on this surface.

2. Serena Williams: The Modern Great

Serena Williams has been a formidable force on grass, with seven Wimbledon titles to her name (2002-2003, 2009-2010, 2012, 2015-2016). Her power, athleticism, and competitive spirit have made her a dominant player on this fast surface. Serena's ability to deliver powerful serves and aggressive baseline shots has often overwhelmed her opponents.

One of Serena's most memorable victories came at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, where she defeated Agnieszka Radwańska in a hard-fought final. Her 2012 Olympic gold medal on grass further cemented her legacy as one of the greatest grass court players.

3. Margaret Court: The Versatile Champion

Margaret Court amassed an impressive 46 grass-court titles during the Open Era. Her dominance was highlighted by victories in the Australian Open (four times), Wimbledon (once in the Open Era, three total), and the US Open (three times) when they were played on grass.

Court's powerful serve and comprehensive all-court game allowed her to excel across various surfaces, but her consistency and strategic play on grass were particularly noteworthy. Her achievements on grass contributed significantly to her total of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in history.

4. Billie Jean King: The Pioneer

Billie Jean King won 22 grass-court singles titles, including six Wimbledon championships (1966-1968, 1972-1973, 1975). King’s aggressive play, exceptional volleying skills, and competitive drive made her a formidable opponent on grass.

King's contributions to the sport extend beyond her on-court achievements. Her advocacy for gender equality and the establishment of the WTA have had a lasting impact on tennis. King's 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" victory over Bobby Riggs remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

5. Steffi Graf: The Golden Slam Winner

Steffi Graf's seven Wimbledon titles (1988-1989, 1991-1993, 1995-1996) are a testament to her dominance on grass. Graf’s game was built around her powerful forehand, exceptional footwork, and speed, which were perfectly suited for the fast pace of grass courts.

Graf's 1988 victory was particularly historic as she completed the Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in a single calendar year. Her ability to maintain a high level of play across different surfaces, including grass, made her one of the all-time greats.

6. Chris Evert: The Consistent Champion

Chris Evert won three Wimbledon titles (1974, 1976, 1981) and two Australian Open titles when it was played on grass (1982, 1984). Known for her incredible consistency and baseline play, Evert’s ability to outlast her opponents with her precision and mental toughness made her a significant threat on grass. Evert also reached the Wimbledon finals on seven occasions and the Australian Open finals six times when it was held on grass.

Evert's rivalry with Navratilova, particularly on grass, produced some of the most memorable matches in tennis history. Her adaptability and resilience allowed her to succeed on grass, adding to her legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

7. Evonne Goolagong: The Graceful Champion

Evonne Goolagong secured 38 grass-court singles titles, with six of her seven Grand Slam crowns coming on this surface. She was known for her graceful movement and elegant playing style, which were perfectly suited for grass courts.

Goolagong's achievements include two Wimbledon titles (1971, 1980) and four Australian Open titles (1974-1976, 1977) when it was played on grass. Her ability to adapt and excel in these prestigious tournaments highlights her place among the greatest.

8. Venus Williams: The Powerful Contender

Venus Williams has five Wimbledon titles to her name (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008), showcasing her dominance on grass courts. Her powerful serve and athletic prowess, combined with her aggressive net play, have made her a formidable force at Wimbledon.

One of Venus's standout moments was her 2008 Wimbledon final victory over her sister Serena, a testament to her mental and physical strength. Venus's longevity and consistent performance on grass have solidified her place among the greatest grass court players.

These extraordinary women have each brought their unique styles and strengths to the lush lawns of Wimbledon and other grass court tournaments, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their remarkable achievements and distinctive playing styles continue to inspire tennis fans and players alike as we celebrate the beginning of the grass court season.

[sportsgr8]

Hard For Me To Get A Grasp Of It : Swiatek Surprised On Joining 100-week Club As World No.1

Iga Swiatek: Iga Swiatek, the world No.1, recently reached the milestone of becoming the ninth player to spend 100 weeks at the top of the WTA rankings. Reflecting on this achievement, the Pole expressed her surprise, saying it’s hard to "get a grasp of this milestone" because it happened so fast.Among the select group of nine players who have spent 100 weeks at the summit of the WTA rankings, Swiatek stands as the fifth youngest after Martina Hingis, Monica Seles, Stefanie Graf, and Chris Evert to achieve this feat at the age of 22 years and 326 days "Honestly it’s hard for me to get a grasp of it because it happened so fast,” Swiatek said of joining the 100 club. "It’s pretty crazy. I never expected to be in that position. Actually, staying at the top of the game for so long is something that really makes me proud," Swiatek said in a Madrid Open pre-tournament presser on Tuesday. "I think we made some tough decisions sometimes. I have good people that are guiding me and helping me so for sure I wouldn’t be here if I would do it by myself and I’m really grateful that everything led to that. The four-time Grand Slam champion first took over the top spot in April 2022 when Ashleigh Barty retired from tennis and has remained at the summit ever since, except for an eight-week period last season when Aryna Sabalenka replaced her. "As you know, especially last year, getting back to No.1 was a big deal and it happened in an unpredictable way, so I’m just proud of myself that I could cope with all the pressure that comes with that. But overall it’s kind of fun," she added. Swiatek will reach the milestone 749 days after first ascending to World No.1 -- the fourth-quickest player to reach 100 weeks following Graf, Evert and Seles, according to WTA stats. Arriving in the Spanish capital, Swiatek is celebrating her 100th week as the world No.1. Having been a runner-up in Madrid last year, she will kick off her campaign against Wang Xiyu of China. The three-time Roland Garros winner started her clay season with a semifinal showing in Stuttgart last week, where she lost to eventual champion Elena Rybakina in three sets. However, she remains unfazed by her defeat to Rybakina, emphasizing that she never takes her victories for granted, whether on clay or any other surface. "Well it puts you back on the ground but on the other hand I never felt like I am taking these tournaments for granted because still, you know, I lost here last year and I lost in Rome. "We’re competing really against the best players in the world so it’s not like you’re going to win every tournament. Even though it is my favourite surface, it doesn’t mean that my tennis is going to be perfect," said Swiatek. As Madrid welcomes the best players in the world for its two-week tennis extravaganza, the sport bids farewell to a future Hall-of-Famer in Garbine Muguruza, who announced she is officially hanging up her racquet on the eve of the tournament. Swiatek has been a long-time fan of the Spanish former world No.1 and took time to pay tribute to Muguruza. "When I was younger I was looking at her achievements when she won Roland Garros and Wimbledon, I was thinking maybe she’s going to be my favourite WTA player. Because I always liked Rafa (Nadal), but I never really had anybody on the WTA to follow. Garbine was actually one of them for a while and then I started playing on tour so it was pretty weird to be fangirling about anybody," revealed Swiatek. "I’m still trying to understand tennis on grass so hopefully I’ll also be able to do it one day and maybe Garbine can help me a little bit with that, I’ll ask her,” the 22-year-old said with a smile. Swiatek hopes she can one day match the Spaniard and add the Wimbledon title to her resume. "I’m still trying to understand tennis on grass so hopefully I’ll also be able to do it one day and maybe Garbine can help me a little bit with that, I’ll ask her,” the 22-year-old said with a smile," Swiatek concluded. Read the full article

[tennislegendary]

Australian Open at risk for Nole?🤯 -- Follow @tennislegendary_ for #EverythingTennis ! 🎾🎾 -- #RafaelNadal #NovakDjokovic #Tennislegends #CasperRuud #RogerFederer #Rafanadal #Tennis #ATPAwards #AustralianOpen #RolandGarros #Wimbledon #TennisFans #TennisNews #ChrisEvert https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSXGlCL9qP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thesportsgrail]

Chris Evert can help Coco Gauff win a Major, says McEnroe ahead of Australian Open #ChrisEvert #CocoGauff #AustralianOpen

[alaspoorwallace]

YEAR OF THE DEPEND ADULT UNDERGARMENT

[...] [DFW, Infinite Jest, 2d]

He went into the bathroom to use the bathroom, making it a point to look neither at the insect visible on the shelf to his left nor at the telephone console on its lacquer workstation to the right. He was committed to touching neither. Where was the woman who had said she'd come. The new bong in the Bogart's bag was orange, meaning he might have misremembered the bong before it as orange. It was a rich autumnal orange that lightened to more of a citrus orange when its plastic cylinder was held up to the late-afternoon light of the window over the kitchen sink. The metal of its stem and bowl was rough stainless steel, the kind with a grain, unpretty and all business. The bong was half a meter tall and had a weighted base covered in soft false suede. Its orange plastic was thick and the carb on the side opposite the stem had been raggedly cut so that rough shards of plastic protruded from the little hole and might well hurt his thumb when he smoked, which he decided to consider just part of the penance he would undertake after the woman had come and gone. He left the door to the bathroom open so that he would be sure to hear the telephone when it sounded or the buzzer to the front doors of his condominium complex when it sounded. In the bathroom his throat suddenly closed and he wept hard for two or three seconds before the weeping stopped abruptly and he could not get it to start again. It was now over four hours since the time the woman had casually committed to come. Was he in the bathroom or in his chair near the window and near his telephone console and the insect and the window that had admitted a straight rectangular bar of light when he began to wait. The light through this window was coming at an angle more and more oblique. Its shadow had become a parallelogram. The light through the southwest window was straight and reddening. He had thought he needed to use the bathroom but was unable to. He tried putting a whole stack of film cartridges into the dock of the disc-drive and then turning on the huge teleputer in his bedroom. He could see the piece of appropriation art in the mirror above the TP. He lowered the volume all the way and pointed the remote device at the TP like some sort of weapon. He sat on the edge of his bed with his elbows on his knees and scanned the stack of cartridges. Each cartridge in the dock dropped on command and began to engage the drive with an insectile click and whir, and he scanned it. But he was unable to distract himself with the TP because he was unable to stay with any one entertainment cartridge for more than a few seconds. The moment he recognized what exactly was on one cartridge he had a strong anxious feeling that there was something more entertaining on another cartridge and that he was potentially missing it. He realized that he would have plenty of time to enjoy all the cartridges, and realized intellectually that the feeling of deprived panic over missing something made no sense. The viewer hung on the wall, half again as large as the piece of feminist art. He scanned cartridges for some time. The telephone console sounded during this interval of anxious scanning. He was up and moving back out toward it before the first ring was completed, flooded with either excitement or relief, the TP's remote device still in his hand, but it was only a friend and colleague calling, and when he heard the voice that was not the woman who had promised to bring what he'd committed the next several days to banishing from his life forever he was almost sick with disappointment, with a great deal of mistaken adrenaline now shining and ringing in his system, and he got off the line with the colleague to clear the line and keep it available for the woman so fast that he was sure his colleague perceived him as either angry with him or just plain rude.

[...] [DFW, Infinite Jest, 2e]

[desertbotanicalsblog]

Did you know? Chris Evert was known for her sun-streaked, dark-blond ponytail, which was often adorned with colorful ribbons. #didyouknow? #hair #chrisevert #tennis #ponytail #hairribbons #tennisstyle New! Desert Botanicals Sonoranshine™️ Propylene Glycol Free Product Line, including➡️sulfate-free shampoo, rich conditioner, leave-in hair serum, and detangler. 🌱🌰🌵🏜 Vitamin nutrition including panthenol for hair rejuvenation, cactus and nut oils for shine, frizz protection and cuticle coating with healthy omega3 🌱🌰🌵🏜 Celebrating hairstylists everywhere for their artwork, initiative and independence! #floridastylist #jacksonvillestylist #miamistylist #tampastylist #orlandostylist #stpetersburgstylist #hialeahstylist #portstluciestylist #floridahair #tallahasseestylist #tampahair #gainesvillestylist #westpalmbeachstylist #palmbeachhair #miamihair #tampabayhair Everything we do is➡️➡️➡️#parabenfree #crueltyfree 🐰🐭 👨‍🔬Formulated in #scottsdale ⚗️ 🏜Proudly made in #arizona. 🌅 Learn more at➡️ www.dbotanicals.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CiNQ36vL19P/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[pmcompanion]

View this post on Instagram

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Chris Evert- Insights and Motivation, because it takes a team to get an individual to the top. #chrisevert #tennis #grandslam #usopen #ausopen #wimbledon #rolandgarros (at Sydney, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CURzf1iJn6b/?utm_medium=tumblr

[fedaltennistv]

" WE ARE SO LUCKY" Tennis great John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova on FEDAL🖤❤🖤❤ #Tennis #Tennisball #Tenniscourt #Tennisplayer #Fit #Healthy #Exercise #Training #Tennislife #Tennistime #Tennisclub #Tennislife #Instatennis #Babolat #Head #Wilson #Sports #rafaelnadal #rafanadal #rafa #vamosrafa #vamos #spain #epic #greatestfinalever #greatest #rogerfederer #rafanadal #followforfollowback #love #fedal #chrisevert #navratilova (at US Open Tennis Championships)

[monriatitans]

QUOTE 2 Sat, March 6, 2021 “You can’t give up! If you give up, you’re like everybody else.” - Chris Evert ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ #chrisevert #chrisevertquote #chrisevertquotes #dontgiveup #educational #educationalpost #womenshistorymonth #womenshistory #whm #learnsomethingneweveryday #becomempowered #bempowering #quotescreatorapp @quotescreatorapp https://www.instagram.com/p/CMGySI2nj2u/?igshid=199x71hywovzn

[tennisonthebrain-blog]

One Match on Clay: Ranking the Best Players to Play One Point for Your Life

Inspired by a segment with Rennae Stubbs and Andy Roddick on @nbcsports, here's my take on this very interesting question.

Now... I've answered the question considering who do I think is the best on clay at the top of their game. Who was unbeatable at the peak of their powers. I think Andy and Rennae may have looked at Steffi's career achievements vs her technical skill on clay at her peak. I've looked at it using the second method in order to not penalize Seles for her stabbing.

My ranking of the top players to play one point for your life at Roland Garros is:

Monica Seles

Chris Evert

Steffi Graf

Despite my love for Justine Henin, I couldn't pick her over these top three at the top of their games. Agree with Andy that it's too early for Iga Swiatek. Is this the peak of her powers? She may have other gears she hasn't shown us - only time will tell.

This is how I would break it down the three I think are contenders to the crown:

Steffi Graf

Steffi Graf won six French Opens, displaying dominance especially in early rounds and famously routing Natasha Zvereva 6-0, 6-0 in the 1988 final. However, her victories weren't without fortuitous circumstances. In 1987, Sabatini and Navratilova had her on the ropes, and in 1999, Seles wasn’t at her best, and Hingis had Graf beaten before collapsing mentally. Additionally, in 1993 and 1995, had Seles been active, Graf might have one less title.

Graf's game faced vulnerabilities against certain strategies. While her forehand was a formidable weapon, aggressive players like Navratilova, Novotna, and McNeil often troubled her, even though true serve-and-volley tactics are less effective on clay. Players like Seles in the 1990 and 1992 finals and Pierce in the 1994 semifinals showcased that out-hitting Graf was possible. Additionally, high topspin balls, particularly to her forehand, could neutralize her aggression, as seen in matches against Sanchez Vicario and Coetzer.

Graf’s achievements are undeniably stellar, placing her among the greatest, but for one crucial point on Roland Garros’ clay, she ranks third.

Chris Evert

Chris Evert won seven French Opens and dominated the clay with a 125-match win streak, exemplifying consistency and tactical brilliance. Evert's baseline play, marked by precision passing shots, dropshots, and lobs, frustrated opponents. Her 6-0, 6-0 victory over Navratilova on green clay in 1981 and her resilience in the 1985 French Open final against the same opponent, refusing to lose when down 0-40 at 5-5 in the third set, illustrate her mental toughness.

Evert faced formidable opponents like Austin, who broke her streak in 1979, and Mandlikova, who bested her in the 1981 semifinals. Despite these losses, Evert's ability to win crucial points with her accurate backhand and strategic play, especially on clay, sets her apart. Her back-to-back victories in 1985 and 1986 further solidify her reputation as a pressure player.

Evert’s consistency and tactical mastery make her a formidable choice for a critical point on clay.

Monica Seles

Monica Seles’ three consecutive French Open titles (1990-1992) were marked by her extraordinary resilience and aggression under pressure. At 16, in her first Grand Slam final, she overcame a 3-6 deficit in the tiebreak against Graf to win the 1990 French Open. Her 1992 final against Graf was another classic, showcasing her mental fortitude and ability to lift her game in crucial moments. Her semifinal comeback against Sabatini in 1992, where she turned a 2-4 deficit in the third set into a 6-4 victory, exemplifies her fighting spirit.

Seles' ability to overpower opponents and dictate play, as seen in her 1993 Australian Open final against Graf, where she turned the match around after losing the first set, underscores her aggressive baseline game. Her left-handed serve and powerful groundstrokes allowed her to dominate from the baseline, making her nearly unbeatable in her prime.

Seles' combination of mental toughness, aggressive play, and ability to win critical points under immense pressure elevates her to the top spot. For one point for your life on Roland Garros clay, Seles is the player to trust to win the point on her racket.

[worldlibertytv]

Tennis Great Chris Evert ,see more in our WorldLiberty TV Sports Blog @ www.worldlibertytv.org #chrisevert #tennisgreats #womenstennisplayers #worldlibertytvsportsblog https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QhqSiBbW7/?igshid=arslnleaq7wb

[k-m-k]

#KevinMcKidd at #ChrisEvert charity #tennis gala Saturday November 23, 2019. . 📷 Jason Koemer/Getty . @therealkmckidd @cecharities #GreysAnatomy #OwenHunt (at Boca Raton, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Raxqehp1g/?igshid=1s40nksoyttrq

[vintagedecoraddict]

Rich Bird's Eye Maple Sports Collectible - Vintage Tennis Racquet - Available now @ Vintage Decor Addict - Free Shipping in USA #homedecor #vintagesports #tennisracquets #chrisevert #wilsontennisracquets #vintagewilson #gamerooomdecor Here's the link - https://etsy.me/2AlF3Z0 or https://www.vintagedecoraddict.com/shop/22881876/toys-games-sports (at Vintage Decor Addict) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cY26cBl3s/?igshid=sacfa1jf9798

[deedee82]

Best dressed of Wimbledon of all time Chris Evert 1971

[desertbotanicalsblog]

Did you know? Chris Evert was known for her sun-streaked, dark-blond ponytail, which was often adorned with colorful ribbons. #didyouknow? #hair #chrisevert #tennis #ponytail #hairribbons #tennisstyle New! Desert Botanicals Sonoranshine™️ Propylene Glycol Free Product Line, including➡️sulfate-free shampoo, rich conditioner, leave-in hair serum, and detangler. 🌱🌰🌵🏜 Vitamin nutrition including panthenol for hair rejuvenation, cactus and nut oils for shine, frizz protection and cuticle coating with healthy omega3 🌱🌰🌵🏜 Celebrating hairstylists everywhere for their artwork, initiative and independence! #floridastylist #jacksonvillestylist #miamistylist #tampastylist #orlandostylist #stpetersburgstylist #hialeahstylist #portstluciestylist #floridahair #tallahasseestylist #tampahair #gainesvillestylist #westpalmbeachstylist #palmbeachhair #miamihair #tampabayhair Everything we do is➡️➡️➡️#parabenfree #crueltyfree 🐰🐭 👨‍🔬Formulated in #scottsdale ⚗️ 🏜Proudly made in #arizona. 🌅 Learn more at➡️ www.dbotanicals.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CiNQv9hLi6f/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[facebymojo]

Our skin can’t get light enough, only @USOpen would they continuously prevent @SerenaWilliams from winning Slams; only allowing her to share the record with #ChrisEvert It’ll have to be done @AustralianOpen or @Wimbledon where she’s respected!! #SW24 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnex07dA0FvA8BtKLNmSZkaRDvfUWKvm3VypHM0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ajqxcpwt1gj9