85 French Final
…Rick

I've had the great pleasure of watching a lot of Evert's matches throughout her career, and as with many of her fans, It was difficult to watch Navratilova dominate her during that horrific 13 match losing streak for two long years from 1983 to 1985. As I saw Chrissie move closer and closer to catching up to Martina, the 1984 US Open Final was particularly difficult. Evert had started so well, winning the first set, only to have the match slip away. In 1985, Key Biscayne finally broke the 13 match losing streak, but it didn't make up for the previous year's US Open loss. As the French Open final unfolded, Chrissie was striking the ball beautifully. Her shots had more power, precision, and depth then ever before in her career. When she won the first set 6-3, and served for the match in the second set 6-5, I thought it appeared all that hard work she'd spent in the gym to get herself stronger was finally about to pay off. But it was not to be. Navratilova broke and eventually won that set 7-6. As many of us were thinking back to the previous years US Open, we wondered if the same thing was about to happen again. I remember thinking to myself, "if Chrissie loses this match, I don't know if she'll ever be the same player again".

But Chrissie didn't panic, and she did not let up. She dug deep, and as was her trademark throughout her remarkable career, she was determined to win. Evert started the third set strongly, going up a service break. However, Navratilova wasn't relenting, and she broke back. As the set was tied at 5-5, Chrissie went down 0-40. Again, Chrissie didn't panic, didnt let herself think negatively, she continued to fight, when so many others might have had little left. She won that game, and with a beautiful backhand down the line passing shot, broke Navratilova to win the match 6-3, 6-7, 7-5. As Evert hit that final backhand, and jumped in the air arms raised, many of us were jumping all around the world with her! It was a defining moment in her career and for her many fans. It showed me that if you dont give up, dont give in to those negative thoughts that sometimes want to creep in, you can succeed and great things can happen!

Thanks for all the great memories Chris, and as you turn 50 this year, may your next 50 continue to be filled with as much joy as you've brought to all of us.