Chris Evert delights in reunion with former player-turned-actress Maeve Quinlan, enjoys friendly tennis session with her 'buddy'
Chris Evert recently paid a visit to her close friend, former tennis player and American actress Maeve Quinlan, and the two enjoyed a friendly game of tennis.
One of the greatest players of all time, Evert won 18 Grand Slam singles titles during her illustrious career and held the World No. 1 ranking for a whopping 260 weeks.
During her early years on tour, the American formed a close friendship with Maeve Quinlan, who broke out on the scene as a 16-year-old. Quinlan competed at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open and earned tennis scholarships to Northwestern University and USC.
However, an injury forced her to cut her career short, and she transitioned to acting, famously playing Megan Conley on the show 'The Bold and the Beautiful' for over a decade.
Chris Evert and Maeve Quinlan recently reunited, commemorating the occasion with a friendly game of tennis. The 18-time Grand Slam champion shared a glimpse of their time together on social media as they struck a pose for the camera.
"You're not going to visit your old buddy without a friendly game of tennis @maevequinlan !!! ❤️you!" she captioned her Instagram post.
Evert and Quinlan have frequently showcased their close bond on social media. When the former World No. 1 was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer in 2022, Quinlan visited her and extended her support for the 69-year-old's speedy recovery in a touching message.
"Guess who I just got home from visiting & who is doing AHhhhh-Mazing since her final round of chemo??? This Girl @ChrissieEvert 💃💪! We put our heads together to find a date for our next time together. It can’t come soon enough! 👯♀️🌞🍕🎉 So proud of you Chrissie!!!! 👏 👏 🏅," Quinlan tweeted.
Chris Evert expressed her gratitude for Quinlan's unwavering support and friendship during the challenging time.
"Love ya @maevequinlan Your support and friendship mean the world to me. Can’t wait for my eyelashes to grow back…🤦♀️🧐," Evert responded.
Although Evert was declared cancer-free in May 2022, she announced that her cancer had returned in December 2023. The American has since been undergoing chemotherapy again.
"She will be greatly missed" - Chris Evert paid tribute to Maeve Quinlan's mother Mary on her death
Chris Evert extended her heartfelt condolences to her close friend Maeve Quinlan on the demise of her mother Mary in a touching message.
In April 2023, Quinlan took to social media and penned an emotional message announcing the death of her mother. She paid tribute to the "true champion" in her life and expressed gratitude for her mother's guidance and "sass."
"It’s with profound sadness, I announce the passing of my true champion in life,my best friend &my idol.The thought she will no longer be here to grace us w/ her elegance,her wit,her blunt advice & her sass is something that will leave a hole in my heart forever. Mary Quinlan RIP🙏," she tweeted.
Evert also honored Mary, highlighting her unwavering support for Maeve Quinlan as well as her grounding presence.
"Mary was the BEST! Loving, witty, sassy, direct…and Maeve, you were the best daughter, caregiver, friend …. What a full and adventurous life you had with her. She was your biggest fan and kept you grounded like no one else! She will be greatly missed…🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️," Chris Evert posted.