Chris Evert's 1975 US Open Clay-Court Breakthrough
On September 6, 1975, 20-year-old Chris Evert won her first US Open title, defeating Evonne Goolagong in three sets.
Chris Evert claimed her maiden US Open title on September 6, 1975. The 20-year-old American defeated Australia's Evonne Goolagong 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in the final at Forest Hills.
This victory broke a pattern of frustration for Evert. She had lost in the semi-finals of the event for four consecutive years prior. The 1975 final was a rematch of the 1974 semi-final, which Goolagong had won.
A Key Surface Change
The 1975 US Open marked a historic shift from grass to green clay courts. This change played directly into the hands of Chris Evert, who was in the midst of a dominant streak on the surface. She entered the tournament having won her last 77 matches on clay.
Evert's game was built on relentless baseline consistency. Her deep groundstrokes and precise passing shots were perfectly suited to the slower clay. In contrast, Goolagong's graceful, attacking style-featuring net rushes and creative shot-making-was more naturally effective on grass.
The Players' Paths to the Final
Chris Evert, coached by her father, had already established herself as a top player. By 1975, she was a two-time major champion, having won the French Open and Wimbledon in 1974. Earlier in 1975, she defended her Roland-Garros title by defeating Martina Navratilova in the final.
Evonne Goolagong, nicknamed "Sunshine Supergirl," was a former Wimbledon and French Open champion herself. She had been the runner-up at the US Open in both 1973 and 1974. In 1974, she also beat Evert to win the Australian Open.
The Forest Hills Final
The contrasting styles created a dramatic final. Goolagong started brilliantly, using slices, drop shots, and winners to seize the first set 7-5. Evert later admitted one of her challenges was not getting distracted by her opponent's graceful play.
The American remained patient, sticking to her baseline game plan. The match turned at 4-4 in the second set. Evert capitalized on key errors from Goolagong to level the match, taking the set 6-4. She then surged in the decider, winning five consecutive games from a 1-2 deficit to secure the championship.
Evert later recalled the emotional moment. "I remember looking up at my mother after the match, and she was sobbing hysterically," she said. "That was a seesaw match with Evonne. Winning that tournament meant a lot to me."
Legacy of the 1975 Victory
The 1975 win began a period of dominance for Evert at the US Open. She would win the title three years in a row from 1975 to 1977, all on the green clay of Forest Hills. Her overall clay-court winning streak would eventually reach 125 consecutive matches before ending in 1979.
Chris Evert retired in 1989 with 18 Grand Slam singles titles. Evonne Goolagong finished her career with seven major crowns, including a historic 1980 Wimbledon win as a mother. The 1975 US Open remains the only time the tournament was won by a woman on clay, as it moved to hard courts at Flushing Meadows in 1978.
