Chris Evert Makes Her GOAT Pick
Tennis legend Chris Evert has stirred up a bold debate in the sports world by naming Serena Williams as the greatest women’s tennis player of all time—over her lifelong friend and iconic rival Martina Navratilova. Known for her own dominant legacy, Evert’s endorsement holds serious weight, especially given her deep personal and professional bond with Navratilova.
A Rivalry Turned Sisterhood
Evert and Navratilova were fierce rivals during the golden era of women’s tennis, clashing in 80 singles matches. But beyond the court, they developed an unbreakable friendship, especially during Evert’s battle with cancer. Navratilova, herself a survivor, became Evert’s pillar of support, caring for her in the most intimate ways. “If I’m going through the trenches, there’s nobody I’d pick more than Martina,” Evert once said.
The GOAT Rankings—A Shocking Order
Despite their bond, when asked to name her top five female tennis players of all time, Evert placed Navratilova second—behind Serena Williams. Her list ranked Billie Jean King fifth for her versatility, Margaret Court fourth for her unmatched title haul, and Steffi Graf third for her Golden Slam in 1988. Navratilova, with her 167 singles titles and prowess across all disciplines, landed second.
Then came Serena. “The greatest player of all time would be Serena Williams because I think she’s the best tennis player and the best athlete that I’ve seen in the game,” said Evert.
Consistency in Praise
Evert has held this view for years. Back in 2021, she stated on the Da Windy City podcast that while Serena may not have the most polished stats across all categories, her sheer dominance, power, and athleticism placed her in a league of her own.
Men’s Side: Djokovic, Federer, or Nadal?
Evert didn’t shy away from the men’s GOAT debate either. She believes Novak Djokovic has the edge in mental, physical, and emotional strength. While acknowledging Federer’s artistry and Nadal’s warrior-like grit, she predicts Djokovic will retire with the most Grand Slams and the strongest overall record.
2025 French Open: Djokovic’s Doubters
Ironically, Evert recently cast doubt on Djokovic’s chances at the 2025 French Open, citing his age and inconsistency. But the 38-year-old Serb has proven her wrong so far—defeating Alexander Zverev to reach the semifinals and setting multiple records along the way.
Legacy vs. Loyalty
Evert’s ranking reignites the age-old debate: is the GOAT about raw stats or the magic brought to the court? While her loyalty to Martina remains unquestioned, her honest appraisal of Serena’s unmatched impact on the sport leaves no ambiguity—legacy, not loyalty, defines greatness.