Chris Evert on Women's Tennis: Other Countries Have Just Caught Up to USA

In the 1970s and 80s, when Chris Evert was racking up 154 WTA Tour singles titles, the women's tennis landscape was largely American.  Besides Martina Navratilova, who would later become a naturalized American citizen, draws and rankings were mostly dominated by U.S. players like Evert, Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals and later, Tracy Austin and Pam Shriver.

Today, after Venus and Serena Williams, who, when healthy, are still among the best players in the world, the American women's tennis cupboard is approaching empty.

"Back then, there weren't any players [on Tour] from China," Evert said today in an interview prior to an exhibition with New York area kids during the World TeamTennis match between the New York Sportimes and St. Louis Aces.  "There might have been five other countries that produced players.  Today, in many countries, tennis is the number one or number two sport, and they have put millions of dollars into facilities and training.  Here, tennis is maybe number 10 or 11 or 12."

There is a touch of irony in the fact that King, whose "Battle of the Sexes" victory over Bobby Riggs was one part of her massive campaign to promote equality for women and girls in sport and in society in the 1970s, led to the opportunities in other sports that siphoned some talent away from tennis.

"In my day, they didn't have all these team sports available [to girls and women], like soccer, volleyball and lacrosse," she noted.  "A lot of the better athletes are going in for those other sports, which has hurt tennis.  But I don't think there's a magic formula.  The USTA gets it, I just think that kids in other countries may be hungrier, to get out, get to the U.S., win some tournaments, make some money.  It's a hunger that American players may not have as much."

The venue where Evert discussed the plight of American women's tennis may in part hold the key to improving its fortunes.  The John McEnroe Tennis Academy in New York is trying to grow the next generation of players, with one of the most celebrated American players a very hands-on presence on site.

"It's not a matter of what we are doing wrong in the U.S.  Academies like this one, Bollettieri, the USTA Academy, they are all great," added Evert, whose own academy in Boca Raton, Fla. is also helping identify and train that next generation of American stars, as well as top collegiate players. 

Evert jumped at the chance when asked by King to participate in events at several matches during the current season of King's brainchild, World TeamTennis, now in its 36th year.

"Billie Jean put millions of dollars in the pockets of many women," she explained.  "When she asks you to do something, you do it.

"Besides, I love TeamTennis," she added.  "I like that you see all five matches—men's singles, men's doubles, women's singles, women's doubles and mixed.  It's entertainment."

Any chance that Evert may want to take to the court, as McEnroe and Bjorn Borg will do this Thursday night in New York?  Not likely.  When she learned that part of the appearances would involve between-set exhibitions, Evert quipped, "Just make sure they are the 10 and under age group."

Jerry Milani is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained first-hand.