Chris Evert Family: The Tennis Dynasty Explained

When people talk about Chris Evert, they talk about 18 Grand Slam singles titles, an icy-cool baseline style, and a legendary rivalry with Martina Navratilova. Yet, her dominance didn't happen in a vacuum. The Evert family built a lasting tennis dynasty rooted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, driven by disciplined coaching, sibling rivalry, and a profound multi-generational love for the sport. Understanding Chris Evert means understanding the family network that molded her into a champion.

The foundation of this tennis powerhouse rests on parental guidance, structured training, and a home environment where the sport was a daily way of life. From her father's public park courts to the founding of the modern Evert Tennis Academy, the family's footprint on American tennis remains profound.

Jimmy Evert: The Patriarch and Master Coach

The story of the Evert tennis legacy begins with James Andrew "Jimmy" Evert. A formidable player in his own right, Jimmy won the men's singles title at the Canadian Championships in 1947 and played collegiate tennis at Notre Dame. More importantly, he spent decades as the head pro at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center (formerly Holiday Park courts) in Fort Lauderdale.

Jimmy coached all five of his children—Jeanne, Chris, John, Drew, and Clare—from the time they could hold a racquet. His coaching philosophy rejected brute force in favor of immaculate mechanics, discipline, and psychological poise. He famously taught his children to hit the two-handed backhand, a shot that Chris popularized and turned into one of the most lethal weapons in women's tennis.

Beyond his own children, Jimmy's coaching tree shaped American tennis. He worked closely with other future stars, including Brian Gottfried, Harold Solomon, and a young Jennifer Capriati before she entered the professional ranks. Jimmy's steady, unglamorous dedication earned him widespread respect, and the City of Fort Lauderdale officially renamed the public tennis center in his honor in 1997.

Colette Evert: The Organizational Anchor

While Jimmy commanded the court, Colette (Thompson) Evert managed the chaotic logistics of raising five competitive children. Colette kept the household running smoothly, coordinating tournament schedules, managing travel, and ensuring that schoolwork balanced out athletic training.

Tennis parents often struggle to find the line between supportive involvement and burnout-inducing pressure. Colette and Jimmy struck a rare balance. They built an atmosphere of high expectations grounded in Catholic values and strong family solidarity. Colette's organizational backbone allowed Chris and her siblings to travel the grueling junior and professional circuits without losing their grounding.

Siblings on the Court: Jeanne, John, Drew, and Clare

Tennis was a collective sibling enterprise in the Evert household. All five children captured prestigious junior titles, proving that Jimmy's coaching methods worked across the board.

• Jeanne Evert: As Chris's younger sister, Jeanne enjoyed a successful professional career of her own. She reached a career-high singles ranking inside the top 30, won titles on the Virginia Slims circuit, and later married professional golfer [Joe Dubin]. Jeanne tragically passed away from ovarian cancer in 2020, prompting heartfelt tributes from the tennis community regarding her kindness and competitive spirit.
• John Evert: John played collegiate tennis on a scholarship at the University of Alabama before transitioning into coaching and sports management. Alongside Chris, he co-founded the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, where he has spent decades developing elite junior, collegiate, and professional players.
• Drew and Clare Evert: Drew played college tennis, while Clare won titles at the Junior Orange Bowl and played collegiate tennis on a scholarship at Southern Methodist University. Though they didn't pursue long professional singles careers like Chris, they maintained deep connections to the sport through teaching and administration.

The Next Generation: Athletic Continuity

Chris Evert's marriage to two-time Olympic downhill skier Andy Mill in 1988 brought together two distinct realms of elite endurance sports. Together, they raised three sons: Alexander, Nicholas, and Colton.

While none of her sons pursued professional tennis in the footsteps of their mother, they grew up immersed in competitive athletics, benefiting from the same emphasis on mental toughness and physical conditioning that defined both parents' careers.

Continuing the Mission: The Evert Tennis Academy

The most tangible modern continuation of the family legacy is the Evert Tennis Academy, established in Boca Raton. Run by John and Chris Evert, the academy serves as a training ground for international prospects.

The academy blends Jimmy Evert's traditional emphasis on footwork, discipline, and baseline consistency with modern sports science, video analysis, and mental conditioning. Hundreds of players pass through its gates annually, ensuring that the coaching principles forged on public asphalt in Fort Lauderdale live on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did all of Chris Evert's siblings play professional tennis?

Not all of them pursued full-time professional careers, but all five siblings competed at high levels. Jeanne Evert had a successful professional career on the WTA tour, while John, Drew, and Clare played standout junior and collegiate tennis.

Who was Chris Evert's primary coach growing up?

Her father, Jimmy Evert, served as her primary coach from the time she was five years old until she reached the pinnacle of the professional game. He taught her the signature two-handed backhand and baseline tactics that defined her career.

What is the Evert Tennis Academy?

Founded by Chris and John Evert, the Evert Tennis Academy is a premier training facility in Boca Raton, Florida, dedicated to developing junior and professional tennis talent using the family's proven coaching methodologies.

Did Chris Evert's children become tennis players?

Chris Evert has three sons—Alexander, Nicholas, and Colton—with her ex-husband Andy Mill. While they participated in sports growing up, they did not follow their mother into professional tennis.