New Analyst: Chris Evert Will Be On ESPN

By Lauren Lynch

(June 2, 2011) Legend Chris Evert is joining the ESPN team to commentate and analyze tennis at the 2011 Wimbledon and US Open beginning on Monday, June 20. She will join former pros turned TV personalities- Mary Joe Fernandez, Cliff Drysdale, Darren Cahil, Pam Shriver, Brad Gilbert, Chris Fowler, and Patrick McEnroe.

Highly qualified for the job, Evert has been called one of the best players of all time. She owns 18 Grand Slam titles and 157 singles titles total.

"Chris Evert is an iconic figure, and with more than 100 hours on our plate at Wimbledon and the US Open, fans will benefit from Chris’ insights, experience and passion for the game," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president. "ESPN is proud to welcome Chris to the most experienced and credible tennis team on television."

Previously, she had done work for CBS and NBC. Evert said, “I am really excited about working again in tennis as an analyst. I've been away from TV for 10 years because my priority was raising my three boys, and now that they are older it is the right time to join the exceptional tennis team at ESPN. I have many friends there and enjoy watching their coverage so I look forward to getting back behind the microphone."

ESPN commentators share their favorite Chris Evert memory:

Cliff Drysdale:
“It is an indelible memory, a pig-tailed 16-year making her debut at the US Open, reaching the semifinals and quickly on her way to becoming America’s Sweetheart. She was the ‘Girl Next Door’ who made good, and did so with a game based on intelligence, guile and finesse, not power. Her attitude was always exemplary, always sporting, but underneath that veneer was a fiercely competitive person. Her legacy is the two-handed backhand, now a standard part of every player’s arsenal. She understands what it takes to win, and that will come through in her commentary.”

Mary Joe Fernandez:
“She was my idol, especially since both of us were from South Florida. When I was 13 and won my first match at the Lipton, she called to say congratulations, and I even hit with her that week. That was a thrill. I played her a few times – never won – including my first Wimbledon in the first round, so that was very special. It will be such a treat to work alongside her. She was one of the most mentally tough champions we’ve had and she’ll fit right in with the team.”

Pam Shriver:
“I have so many great Chris Evert memories, on court and off. We played 25 times, including my one major final (1978 US Open), and played together in doubles and on Fed and Wightman Cup teams. One of the best all-time statistics is her winning at least one major for 13 years. That will never be duplicated. When you think of what it takes to withstand the pressure to stay at the top, retooling your game and adding new skills, it was just amazing. And that insight, pertinent to the Williams Sisters, Roger Federer and others today – along with a great dry wit…she’ll let it rip in a fun way when appropriate – is what she’ll bring to our telecasts.”