Chris Evert moved by renowned NFL reporter Ed Werder paying tribute to her and ex-fiance Jimmy Connors for inspiring his love for tennis
Chris Evert was touched by NFL reporter Ed Werder paying tribute to her and fellow tennis legend Jimmy Connors. The two dominated the tennis scene for most of the 70s and 80s, securing 26 Grand Slam singles titles between them. Evert and Connors were also engaged to be married in 1974, but their wedding was called off that year.
Over the course of her illustrious career, Evert won 18 Major titles, which included a record seven at the French Open and a joint-record six US Open crowns, tied with Serena Williams. Furthermore, the 69-year-old won 157 career titles, appeared in a record 34 Grand Slam finals and held the World No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks, placing her fourth on the all-time list.
Connors, meanwhile, also enjoyed immense success during his career, winning eight Major titles, including a joint-record five US Open crowns. He also reigned as the World No. 1 for 268 weeks, ranking fifth on the all-time list. The 72-year-old still holds the Open Era record for most tour-level titles, with 109, leading Roger Federer (103) and Novak Djokovic (99).
Given the duo's exceptional achievements, they were popular choices when the US Open's social media handle asked users to share who inspired their love for tennis. NFL reporter Ed Werder also weighed in, crediting the "great" Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert for shaping his passion for the sport.
"The great @JimmyConnors and @ChrissieEvert," Werder responded on X.
Evert was touched by Werder's kind words, commenting:
"Awwwww ❤️. "
Chris Evert reflects on how then-fiance Jimmy Connors played an instrumental role in her maiden Wimbledon triumph
Chris Evert has credited her then-fiance, fellow tennis legend Jimmy Connors, for playing an instrumental role in her maiden Wimbledon Championships title. She emerged victorious at the grasscourt Major in 1974, beating Olga Morozova 6-0, 6-4 in the final.
While commemorating the 50th anniversary of her triumph, Evert reflected on how close she came to being knocked out of the Major in the first round by Lesley Hunt. Following a hard-fought battle, their match hung in the balance at 8-6, 5-7, 9-9 when play was suspended for the day.
In an interview with the WTA earlier this year, Chris Evert disclosed that she had turned to Connors for guidance and that he advised her to approach the net and target the Australian's backhand.
"What should I do?," she asked Connors.
"Go to the net on her backhand," he replied.
Given that coming to the net wasn't a part of Evert's natural playing style, she was hesitant to follow her then-fiance's suggestion. However, Connors pesuaded the 18-time Grand Slam champion by astutely breaking down Hunt's game.
"But I don’t go to the net," Chris Evert said.
"Go to the net on her backhand. Every time she comes into the net, she wins the point. She has a slice backhand. She’s not going to pass you," Connors responded.
Jimmy Connors' advice proved to be a game-changer, allowing Chris Evert to claim an 8-6, 5-7, 11-9 victory over Lesley Hunt. Connors also clinched his maiden Wimbledon title that year, beating Ken Rosewall 6-1, 6-1, 6-4 in the final.