Tennis courts often belie the deep and lasting relationships formed away from them – relationships which sometimes outlive careers themselves. One such relationship was between Chris Evert and Billie Jean King; their longstanding bond founded upon mutual admiration and respect is legendary; evert recently took time out of her busy schedule to acknowledge this special bond by sending a touching note thanking King for being such an integral force within both world of tennis and her life in particular.
On November 22nd, Billie Jean King turned 81 – an event met with widespread celebration from her fans and peers alike – but Chris Evert’s tribute especially showed how powerfully King has had an effect not just on her career development but on personal transformation as well. Evert’s message, filled with gratitude and admiration underscored their enduring bond.
Evert’s homage to King was shared with warmth and sincerity, reflecting on their rich history of competition and camaraderie. Despite facing each other in 26 matches on the WTA Tour, with Evert winning 19, her respect and admiration for King have only grown. This isn’t the first time Evert has publicly acclaimed King’s role in her life, showcasing the depth of their relationship.
Recently, King honored Evert by reminiscing about a pivotal moment in tennis history – when Evert became the first No. 1 ranked player in the WTA. King’s acknowledgment of Evert’s achievement and her subsequent praise on social media prompted an affectionate response from Evert, further cementing their mutual respect and admiration.
Their friendship, however, dates back beyond just post-retirement years – it reaches deep into their competitive days as well. Evert has spoken highly of King and has spoken fondly of her support during Evert’s early career during its difficult moments due to rising fame. According to Evert, King played an essential part in encouraging her fellow players to view Evert’s success as beneficial to both tennis itself as a whole as well as Evert herself; thus underscoring King’s leadership and foresight skills.
As their friendship continues to deepen, it becomes evident how deeply they cherish and respect one another. While whether King responds to Evert’s recent heartfelt message is yet to be determined, what remains clear is its lasting nature.