Roland Garros 1975

Evert- Navratilova: the beginnings of an eternal duel.

At the beginning of the 1970s, women’s tennis was not very popular. The public apparently had no appetite for those encounters: play too slow, technique too weak, lack of tension. Even worse, the women’s circuit was breaking up. In 1974, Billie Jean King, Evonne Goolagong and Margaret Smith-Court were excluded from Roland Garros for having the impertinence to join WTT (World Team Tennis, an exclusive professional circuit). That same year, the Paris public were nevertheless happy to rediscover the talent and charm of the young Chris Evert. A finalist in 1973, the American, the daughter of a professional tennis player, took the 1974 series without encountering any opposition against the Soviet Olga Morozova (6-1, 6-2). She possessed all the tennis shots. Her perfect game from the back of the court enabled her to flirt with the lines. No bulging muscles but a scientific game and a set of precious legs, the American quickly imposed her authority on the circuit. Her romance with player Jimmy Connors soon made her popular with the wider public. A young woman from the East was soon coming to tease her supremacy. Martina Navratilova was the absolute opposite of Chris Evert. Robust, unrestrained in attack, the Czechoslovakian relied totally on her strength. A stylish opponent who pleased the 13,000 spectators at the central court who observed the first grand hard court final between Evert and Navratilova in 1975. A very grand final. Very quickly Martina Navratilova got into a hellish rhythm against her, rushing forward to the net as soon as possible. Chris Evert, less familiar with this very attacking style of play which was so rare on the circuit, lost the first set (2-6). During the second set, the second game which seemed to go on forever, was won by the American who regained her forehand passing. A turning point in the match. Chris Evert who took the psychological advantage over her opponent, then deployed the entire range of her talent and got back to one set all. The lobs, of which she alone had the secret, were hitting home. The Czechoslovakian, constantly at the net, saw the balls passing her by. Helplessly. Chris Evert won the final set easily (6-1). The public were won over. At last women’s tennis had won its spurs. Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, the queens of the court, held that throne for more than a decade in world tennis. Some wonderful duels in prospect...