Richard Evans: A Tennis Journalism Legend with Unparalleled Insights

Richard Evans, a legendary tennis journalist, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his extensive coverage spanning over six decades. His journey began at Wimbledon in 1960, where he collaborated with former world No. 1 Althea Gibson. Evans' relentless pursuit of tennis has taken him to over 200 Grand Slam tournaments and countless other events, making him an unparalleled presence in the sport's history.

Evans' writing style is characterized by its fluidity and depth. His tournament wrap-ups, a vital form of journalism in the pre-Internet era, provided comprehensive accounts of the action, highlighting both the routine and the significant. Beyond match play, Evans was attuned to the political turmoil affecting tennis in the early 1970s. His insights into the formation of the ATP and the Players Association proved to be accurate and influential.

Evans' close relationships with tennis greats, including Rod Laver, John Newcombe, and Bjorn Borg, gave him unique insights into the sport's inner workings. He also forged strong bonds with key figures such as Gladys Heldman, Gene Scott, and Jack Kramer. These connections made him a natural choice to become the ATP's first director of public relations and later its European director.

Evans' contributions to tennis extend beyond journalism. He has authored over 20 books, including epic histories of the Davis Cup and Open tennis, as well as nuanced biographies of John McEnroe and Ilie Nastase. His collaborations with Marty Riessen, Allen Fox, and Vijay Amritraj have brought their stories to life.

In addition to tennis, Evans has covered significant political events, including the Vietnam War and Senator Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign. His passion for journalism stems from his desire to inform people about things they don't know.

Born in Paris just prior to World War II, Evans' family escaped France as the Nazis invaded. His memoir, "The Roving Eye," recounts this harrowing experience with his customary vigor.

Richard Evans' legacy in tennis is immense. His body of work provides a rich tapestry of the sport's history, both on and off the court. His insights, relationships, and unwavering dedication have made him an invaluable asset to tennis journalism and the sport itself.

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