Chris Evert sends touching message to Billie Jean King on 12-time Grand Slam champ's 82nd birthday

Chris Evert penned a heartfelt birthday note for Billie Jean King on the tennis legend's birthday. The former No. 1 turned 82 on November 22, 2025.

Billie Jean King has been a groundbreaking athlete, not only in tennis but also in championing social justice and inspiring generations of players. King was ranked No. 1 for five years and amassed a collective 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 in singles. She had actively worked towards promoting gender equality and became the first president of the Women's Tennis Association, the women's players' union, in 1973.

Besides that, she was also known for her rivalry with fellow legend Margaret, with both players defying the norms of women’s tennis in the 1960s and 1970s. In the mid-1970s, Chris Evert joined the tour and forged a rivalry with King, facing her 26 times until the latter retired.

In Evert and King’s head-to-head record, the former leads 19–7, having won 11 straight matches in the latter half of the 1970s. Years into their retirement, both legends remain closely associated with tennis and continue to show love and admiration for each other.

As Billie Jean King turned 82 on November 22, 2025, Evert shared a heartfelt post on X, wishing her inspiration and former rival on the special day.

"Happy Birthday @BillieJeanKing! Your boundless energy and passion for life is so inspiring. Thank you for your friendship and the positive impact you've had on people all over the world. I feel so lucky to be in your life...Have a great, joyful day!"

Billie Jean King, who was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987, once played Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ trouncing him comfortably and paving the way for greater visibility for women in the sporting world.

Billie Jean King once showered praises on Chris Evert on her World No. 1 rank's 47th anniversary

Chris Evert at the 2023 WTA Finals - Day 5 - Source: Getty

King and Evert not only developed a great rivalry but also a bond that has stood the test of time. They often hail each other on milestone achievements, especially Evert, who often calls King her mentor. In 2022, when Evert celebrated the 47th anniversary of her becoming the first No. 1 player on the WTA Tour, Billie Jean King wrote:

"Proud to call this legend, this champion, and this fighter my friend. Thinking of you, Chris Evert."

The 70-year-old lovingly responded to the message, calling King her 'mentor'.

"Love you, Billie Jean King I couldn't ask for a better mentor/ friend!"

After King's retirement, Evert and her fiercest rival, Martina Navratilova, dominated the tennis world.

Edited by Agnijeeta Majumder