Jimmy Evert facts for kids
| Full name | James Andrew Evert |
|---|---|
| Country (sports) |  USA |
| Born | 31 July 1923 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Died | 21 August 2015 (age 92) Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States |
| Turned pro | 1938 (amateur tour) 1949 (pro tour) |
| Retired | 1960 |
| Plays | Right-handed (one-handed backhand) |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 88–43 (67.18%) |
| Career titles | 3 |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| US Open | 3R (1942) |
| Professional majors | |
| US Pro | QF (1949)) |
James Andrew "Jimmy" Evert (July 31, 1923 – August 21, 2015) was an American tennis coach and player. He was also the father of Chris Evert, a famous tennis star from the 1970s and 1980s. Jimmy Evert helped many young players become great, including his own children.
Jimmy Evert's Early Life
Jimmy Evert was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 31, 1923. From a young age, he showed great talent in tennis. He won two U.S. age-group championships. In 1940, he won the Illinois state high school championship. He played for Senn High School in Chicago.
After serving briefly in the United States Army, Jimmy went to college. He attended the University of Notre Dame on a tennis scholarship. He studied economics there.
Playing Tennis
Jimmy Evert had a successful tennis career. In 1945, he won the Middle States Championships in Elmsford, New York. He played against Bill Kenney in the final. Two years later, in 1947, he won the men's singles title. This was at the Canadian International Championships in Vancouver. He defeated Emery Neale for that win.
From 1949, he mainly played on the professional tennis tour. That same year, he reached the quarter-finals of the U.S. Pro Championships. He lost to the famous player Bobby Riggs. In 1950, he won the PLTA Spring Championships. He played against Bill Kenney again in that final.
A Great Coach
After he stopped playing professionally, Jimmy Evert became a tennis coach. He was known for his excellent teaching skills. He coached all five of his own children. He taught them at the tennis center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This center was named in his honor in 1997.
Jimmy Evert also coached other well-known tennis players. These included Brian Gottfried, Harold Solomon, and Jennifer Capriati. His coaching helped many players reach their full potential.
Later Life
Jimmy Evert passed away on August 21, 2015. He was 92 years old. He died from pneumonia in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His legacy as a player and especially as a coach continues to inspire many in the tennis world.
