Chris Evert d. Martina Navratilova - 1986 French Open final

[gomerknockahomer]

Chris Evert had the BEST legs ever put on a lady.

[sftom70]

She played in the 88 Australian final against Graf, besting Martina in the Semis

[bqndc]

How ironic that Chris won this match with a drop volley! Love it.

[kljMN2]

I never knew Chrissie got off to such a bad start.

[kljMN2]

So after this match Chrissie and Martina never play in a GS final against other after FO 1986? Wow. 

[vught2011]

No matter numbers, percentages or records

Mrs Evert is Madame Tennis

La classe non è acqua

[atomongolian20011]

I really enjoyed watching this classic match.. Love both Chris and Martina.. I miss them both on court..

[jokerwildest]

Because of Chris's knee she would only play 3 more tour events in 1986, 2 of them Slams. You could tell by the US Open that her movement was really compromised, in her lost to Sukova in the semi-final, it was clear something was very wrong with her. But in true Evert fashion you never heard a word about the knee problem.

[pauldc1066]

wonderful to see again. Long live Chris and Martina!

[HanzSygnal]

Great rivalry, however, Martina won 10 of 14 grand-slam finals btwn two.

[spacecolt]

@HanzSygnal True, but thats in part because Evert was consistent enough to GET to the grand slam finals during Martina's dominant period, and Martina didn't make her seeding so often when Chrissie was the dominant player, beating other opponents (Shriver who beat Martina, Turnbull who beat Martina, Mandlikova who beat Martina... etc) & Navratilova skipped the French (Evert's best event) til 1981 ... whereas MN beat CE in 5 Wimbledon finals (Martina's best event)

[dannlee513]

Evert is the best player of all time.....no doubt

[TheMalibumoon]

I remember watching both the 85/86 finals as a young teenager on antenna based tv. Yes, before cable. It was live, and sometimes torture because of the satelite feed etc. But it was a thrilling experience as a small time tennis player in a small town to watch these matches. Chris to this day is one of my all-time favorite sports heroes!

[MagRich100]

They don't come any classier than Evert especially on clay, I hope her record is never beaten at RG. She is a legend and a lady.

[VenusEbony]

The thing i love about Chris Evert the most is that "Yeah" when a player hit a shot that was too good. Her sportsmanship is unquestionable.

[JBlue761982]

I'm sorry, but this was a few years before my time, and I'm still tripping on the 239/254. So basically she only lost before the semifinals like ONCE per year, for a span of 15 years?!?! That is just incredible. I always knew Chrissie was great, and never doubted that she was superior to today's 'champions.' But I didn't know she stood THAT high above aeveryone else. Our generation will never witness such greatness.

[JBlue761982]

239 semifinals out of 254 career tournaments????? (254 at the time of this video) tournaments). That is SICK

[trotsky88]

I liked how Evert's skirt flew up during her serves/

[nelle069214]

Chris Evert would destroy our world number one, Caroline Wozniacki in two bagel sets.

[johnblacklovesmar]

Evert always said that the best match Navratilova played against her was the 1984 French final

[westfaner]

That stat is simply amazing... 239 times to the semifinals or better, of 254 touraments played. There just has never been anyone quite like Chris Evert... ever !!!

[BTURNER1961]

Martina was in her top clay form from the first minute, just like '84. Evert went from her worst, to her best clay game in the latter part of the last two sets. Steady enough that Martina needed to come in, but bold enough to take calculated risks. Her shotmaking under pressure was sublime. The perfect balance of power, touch and consistency. She was the best clay courter ever to play. This day she showed it.

[Nicklas4500]

@BTURNER1961  Yes, I don't think there was much Martina could have done better here - Chris at her best on clay was just too good.

[LobOverTheBackhand]

Love Chris's hair here. It's soft and fluffy looking.

[skaterfan1]

I watched this match in full recently.....poignant for me as it was the only time I visited roland garros. Not the classic of the 85 final, but a great match all the same!

[robubc]

Chris Evert c'est magnifique! My favorite woman player...

[williamwatson5871]

25 years ago and they are still better than todays players

[DerDuke]

@williamwatson5871 It's funny because it's true. When I saw your comment I thought it was just a knock at the current players. But then I watched the video and I must admit that you are right.

[Lia717]

Wonderful post, congratulations for this two ladies.