May 12, 1979 – Women’s tennis star Chris Evert Lloyd had her amazing run of 125 matches won on clay courts come to an end. The streak lasted for over six years as Ms. Lloyd could not be beaten on the clay surface until Tracy Austin defeated her 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 at Foro Italico during the Italian Open.
At the time it was the longest string of victories ever recorded in tennis. Lloyd was admittedly tired after the over three-hour match when the 25-year-old succumbed to the teenager Austin in the final hard-fought set.
During her illustrious career, Evert won 18 Grand Slam singles championships, including a record seven championships at the French Open and a record six championships at the U.S. Open.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1946 thru 1973)
Most modern-day NFL football fans are familiar with the dynasty of the New England
A Canadian Invented One of America’s Top Sports: Basketball Origins
When you think of basketball, the initial thought would be that an American had
Dallas Cowboys’ Opening Day Win Streak (NFL Record)
The Cowboys’ first five years in the NFL were nothing to brag about. They
1976 New England Patriots: A Bicentennial Uprising
In 1976, the nation we call the United States of America was celebrating its
Can History Repeat? Looking Back at the Spurs’ 1997-98 Season
It’s hardly a secret that San Antonio Spurs fans look back at the late
Reliving the Early 1970s Reign of the San Francisco 49ers
Most NFL fans are familiar with the SF 49ers’ success during the 1980s and
Harry Ghaul: The Best Punter in Cardinals’ History, Who Wasn’t
Every so often, we encounter a football story that just screams to be shared.
Roy Lopez: From Childhood Fan to Arizona Cardinals Player
In professional sports, it’s not uncommon to hear stories of athletes achieving their childhood