Chris Evert Backs Caitlin Clark Amid Criticism That WNBA Isn’t Celebrating Indiana Fever Star Enough

Last year in June, following the heated encounter between Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun that was overshadowed by physical altercations and officiating decisions, which also saw Marina Mabrey shoving Caitlin Clark to the floor but was allowed to stay in the game, Chris Evert‘s tweet supporting the Iowa native went viral.

Evert wrote that Clark “is best thing that ever happened to women’s basketball.” Then in July this year, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion wrote, “totaly agree” when ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale tweeted that Clark should be treated like “ROYALTY” for her contributions to the WNBA.

In 2024, Time Magazine named Clark Athlete of the Year, and Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson suggested the magazine should have put the whole WNBA on that cover and called it the League of the Year. Her comments drew criticism, with Evert also coming to Clark’s defense, writing she “deserves this award” on X.

Evert has once again rallied behind the 24-year-old, writing that the WNBA should be celebrating Clark. A user on X shared a graphic that celebrated Clark’s achievements, writing, “EVERYONE KNOWS SHE’S THE MOST POWERFUL FEMALE ATHLETE ON THE PLANET EXCEPT THE WNBA.” Evert responded, agreeing with the view.

The WNBA should be celebrating her…[three women dancing emoji]

Check out her post here:

@CCFromTheLogo The WNBA should be celebrating her…💃💃💃

— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) October 13, 2026

When the Las Vegas Aces knocked out the Indiana Fever in the first round of the WNBA playoffs, a parody account of Clark took to X and wrote:

To everyone who supported me throughout the season, THANK YOU! I love and appreciate you all more than you know! Now let me see those pointing fingers in the comments! #indianafever #Basketball #wnba.

The former WTA World No. 1 saw the tweet and wrote, “GOAT forever…“

@caitlinclark_10 GOAT forever….

— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) October 3, 2026

Martina Navratilova on her and Chris Evert cancer battles

Martina Navratilova recently sat for an interview with PBS NewsHour, during which she talked about her as well as former rival Chris Evert‘s cancer battles. Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and after treatment, she was again diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as throat cancer. But at present, she is “all free. Free of everything.“

Evert had ovarian cancer in 2021. In June this year, however, she revealed that the cancer had returned for the third time.

We stay in touch through text all the time, and we speak maybe once a week, once every two weeks. So I will see her after the Open and make some more pesto for her, because she likes my pesto.

Martina Navratilova said

Navratilova retired in 2006, while Evert retired in 1989. Evert, the winner of 157 singles titles, trailed 37-43 in the head-to-head matchups. Navratilova won 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles, both Open Era records.

You get used to that solitude and problem-solving on the court, and staying positive when things don’t go right. Otherwise, you would not be winning these matches at the end of the day. And so this is just another match where it’s not that much in your control, but the attitude and the — getting the solution mindset was all — is still there. This is more life-and-death situation, but still you kind of get on with it and stay very, very positive, and that makes a big difference at the end.

Martina Navratilova added

Recently, both former players came to Coco Gauff‘s defense after the 22-year-old was targeted with racist abuse following the hindrance controversy in the recently concluded China Open. Gauff later withdrew from the Wuhan Open, where she is the defending champion.

Also read: Ex-WTA Player Is Losing ‘Sympathy’ for Carlos Alcaraz After Recent Complaints