Tennis

The International Tennis Hall of Fame has honored tennis legend Chris Evert by renaming its Canfield House building as the Chris Evert Learning Center. The dedication ceremony took place during the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, with Evert and tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Kim Clijsters, Stan Smith, Tracy Austin, Rosie Casals, and Rick Draney in attendance.The Learning Center serves as the headquarters for TeamFAME, a sport-based youth development program that reaches hundreds of young people in Newport, Rhode Island. Evert's contributions to grassroots tennis and education initiatives inspired the renaming, according to the Hall of Fame.Evert expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that the Hall of Fame holds a special place in her heart. She praised TeamFAME's efforts in providing tennis and educational support to the community, emphasizing the ripple effects of their work globally.TeamFAME is part of the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, which brings tennis and education programs to underprivileged children. Evert serves as chairperson of the USTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the USTA, which sponsors NJTL chapters across the United States.International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Dan Faber lauded Evert's impact on and off the court, describing her as the embodiment of a Hall of Famer. He highlighted her dedication to developing tennis and education programs that have benefited countless children and families.The Tennis Forever Capital Campaign funded the Learning Center project, along with other initiatives such as resurfacing the iconic grass courts, digitizing the museum collection, and preservation projects on the property.

Fifty years ago, the tennis world witnessed a pivotal moment at Roland Garros. Bjorn Borg and Chris Evert, two young prodigies, emerged victorious in their first Grand Slam tournaments, forever etching their names in the annals of the sport.Borg's triumph marked a paradigm shift in tennis. His two-handed backhand, a technique previously considered taboo, proved to be a formidable weapon. It allowed him to counter net-rushers effectively and drive the ball with unprecedented power and depth. Evert, known for her exceptional consistency and baseline accuracy, also relied on a two-handed backhand. Her ability to control rallies and outlast opponents made her a formidable force.The ascent of Borg and Evert coincided with the rise of the two-handed backhand as a dominant force in tennis. This technique revolutionized the game, rewarding defensive players and expanding the dimensions of the court.Beyond their technical prowess, Borg and Evert embodied the qualities of sportsmanship and professionalism. They set a high standard of conduct at a time when the sport was often marred by controversy. Their poise and determination inspired countless young players and helped elevate tennis to a new level of respectability.Today, the legacies of Borg and Evert continue to resonate. Their impact on the game is evident in the countless players who have adopted the two-handed backhand and the emphasis on fitness and mental toughness. Their contributions to tennis have left an enduring mark on the sport, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

In 1974, the tennis world witnessed a quiet revolution at Roland Garros. Two teenage prodigies, Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg, emerged victorious, forever altering the trajectory of the sport.Evert, known as the "Ice Maiden," and Borg, dubbed "Ice Borg," were both products of the Open era, which had opened up tennis to professionals. They possessed a unique blend of consistency, defense, and unorthodox playing styles. Evert's two-handed backhand and Borg's flicky forehand and two-handed backhand defied the norms of the time.Their rise to prominence was not without its challenges. Evert had lost two Slam finals in 1973, while Borg had yet to reach a major semifinal. However, their determination and unwavering focus propelled them to the top.At Roland Garros, Evert and Borg faced off against Olga Morozova and Manuel Orantes, respectively. Evert's victory was a display of efficiency, while Borg's triumph was a testament to his resilience. After dropping the first two sets, Borg rallied back to win the next three with ease.Their victories marked a turning point in tennis. The baseline game they pioneered gradually replaced serve-and-volley as the dominant strategy. Their two-handed backhands also became the norm, with Roger Federer's retirement solidifying its supremacy.Beyond their playing styles, Evert and Borg were also pioneers in the realm of celebrity. Their mass appeal and fan following set the stage for the modern era of tennis stardom.Fifty years later, the legacy of Evert and Borg continues to shape the sport. Their quiet revolution transformed tennis from a game of aggression to one of consistency and defense. Their influence is evident in the playing styles of today's top players and the enduring popularity of the sport.

The 2024 clay-court season has been a rollercoaster of surprises, setting the stage for an intriguing Roland Garros tournament. Former champion Martina Navratilova shares her insights on the upcoming Grand Slam, analyzing the contenders and their chances of lifting the trophy.Men's Field: Djokovic's Experience vs. UncertaintiesRafael Nadal's dominance at Roland Garros has been unparalleled, but the 37-year-old's recent form has raised questions about his ability to extend his record-breaking 14 titles. Top seeds Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz all face uncertainties heading into Paris, with Djokovic recovering from a head injury and Sinner and Alcaraz battling physical issues."The unknowns are pretty large right now," Navratilova said. "If injuries come into play, then Novak is an even bigger favorite to win."Djokovic remains the betting favorite due to his experience and recent wild card acceptance into the Geneva Open. Navratilova believes that Djokovic's lack of tournament success in 2024 could motivate him to make the most of the chaotic field and capture his fourth Roland Garros title.Swiatek's Dominance: Evert-Like InvincibilityIga Swiatek enters Roland Garros as the defending champion and the highest-ranked player since Serena Williams in 2015. Her back-to-back victories in Madrid and Rome have solidified her position as the favorite.Navratilova compares Swiatek's dominance to that of Chris Evert, who won seven Roland Garros titles. "It's really impossible to find an opening against Iga on clay," Navratilova said. "Right now she looks pretty unbeatable."While Swiatek admires Nadal, Navratilova believes she has a long way to go to match his 14 titles. However, she acknowledges that Swiatek's early success and exceptional clay-court game could lead her to catch up to Evert's record.Evert's Legacy: Deserving of RecognitionThis year marks the 50th anniversary of Chris Evert's first Grand Slam title, which she won at Roland Garros. Navratilova believes that the French Tennis Federation should honor Evert's legacy with a statue, similar to the one erected for Nadal."If Rafa has a statue there, then Chris should have a statue, also," Navratilova said. "She's the OG queen of clay."Collins: A Sneaky ContenderDanielle Collins has emerged as a force in women's tennis, winning her first WTA 1000 title in Miami. Navratilova believes that Collins could be a surprise semifinalist or finalist at Roland Garros."She would be my pick for a sneaky semifinal or final," Navratilova said. "I know I wouldn't want her in my draw."Olympic Summer: Physical and Mental ChallengesRoland Garros marks the beginning of a grueling summer season that includes Wimbledon, the Olympics, and the US Open. Navratilova predicts that the physical and mental challenges of this stretch will test the players' limits."You basically have four majors in two or three months," Navratilova said. "The game is more physical [than when I was on tour] and the Olympics don't make it easier that's for sure."Navratilova is concerned about the potential for injuries and hopes that the players can maintain their health throughout the summer.