Chris Evert, a tennis legend, received an emotional tribute following the conclusion of the final match between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova at the 2025 US Open. Sabalenka, the defending champion, defeated Anisimova with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3) in the championship match, claiming her second New York Major singles title and her fourth Grand Slam singles title overall.
This year marked the 40th anniversary of Evert winning her first US Open title. She was honored with a special tribute during the trophy presentation ceremony for the Sabalenka-Anisimova match at Flushing Meadows.
Chris Evert Receives an Emotional Tribute After the 2025 US Open Final
Evert finished her career with 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven French Open titles, six US Open titles, three Wimbledon titles, and two Australian Open titles. She also secured three doubles titles: Two at Roland Garros and one at Wimbledon. Among numerous accolades, Evert was ranked World No. 1 during her career.
In the tribute video, the narrator recounted Evert’s first US Open title, which she won in 1975 by defeating Evonne Goolagong in the final. This victory marked Evert’s first US Open title and her fourth Major singles title overall.
“Before the records and before the rivalries, before the world knew her name, she was a little girl with a two-handed backhand and single-minded ambition. In 1975, Chris Evert won her first US Open title,” the narrator said.
The narrator described Evert as “calm” and “cool” while competing, possessing a “silent ferocity” within her.
“Chrissie played with calm, and cool, and silent ferocity. She redefined what greatness can look like by showing us that grace under pressure is fueled by a quiet fire. She played with precision and competed with boys, and she led with uncommon purpose,” the narrator continued.
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The video highlighted the former World No. 1’s role as an advocate for the next generation, detailing her involvement as President of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and chairperson of the USTA Foundation and her efforts to support tennis.
“For more than a decade, she was the president of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), regally lifting the game for countless women. A mentor, a mother, and as chairperson of the USTA Foundation, a passionate advocate for the next generation. Her legacy is more than what she’s built; it’s what she’s passed on,” the narrator said.
Welcoming our 1975 women’s champion, Chris Evert! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GTXjMeqrwe
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2025
At the conclusion of the video, Evert was celebrated as a “teacher,” “fighter,” and a “powerful voice” for many players who followed in her footsteps.
“Decades later, her imprint is everywhere, on every court, in every comeback, and every girl who dares to dream. Chris Evert became a teacher, a fighter, a powerful voice. Happy anniversary, Chrissie. Your legend will live forever,” the narrator added.
Evert won her first US Open title on a clay court, while the tournament’s surface transitioned to hard court just three years later, in 1978.
