Caitlin Clark backed by ex-tennis world No.1 against billionaire Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson’s controversial take

Billionaire Sheila Johnson and former world No. 1 tennis player Chris Evert (Images via Imagn)

Former tennis star Chris Evert responded to the Washington Mystics co-owner and billionaire Sheila Johnson’s CNN interview, wherein she made a controversial remark about 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark being named Time Athlete of the Year.

On Sunday, Evert, the former world No. 1 tennis player, replied to the video of Johnson posted by CNN Sports (@cnnsport).

“Caitlin Clark deserves this award because of her talent and contributions both on and off the court…,” Evert’s post said.

This comes after Johnson, in an interview with CNN’s Amanda Davies, argued the popularity and fame of Clark:

“This year, something clicked with the WNBA and it’s because of the draft of players that came in. It’s not just Caitlin Clark, it’s Reese,” Johnson said, adding, “We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognized, and I don’t think we can just pin it on one player.”

When asked about the widely-popular phrase “Caitlin Clark effect,” Johnson responded:

“Well, I want to be very diplomatic about this. It’s just the structure of the way media plays out race. I’m gonna be very honest. I feel very bad because I’ve seen so many players of color that are equally as talented, and they never got the recognition they should have. I think, right now, it is time for that to happen.”

Further, Johnson made a controversial suggestion that the Time cover should have featured the whole of the WNBA and not just 2024 Athlete of the Year Clark.

“Why couldn’t they have put the whole WNBA on the cover and said, ‘The WNBA is the League of the Year,’ because of all the talent that we have,” Johnson said.

You can watch the CNN’s interview with Johnson here:

Evert is regarded as among the best to play, as she dominated women’s tennis during the 1970s up until the 1980s. She is also one of the most influential players in history. Now 69, she owns a line of apparel and is an analyst for ESPN.

Clark’s fans are not receptive to Johnson’s view

Tennis legend Evert adds to several fans who have shared their disagreement with Johnson’s remarks. Clark did not just collect awards and recognitions this year; she also amassed support from fans.

“For the first time, a female basketball player has been named Athlete of the Year—and rightfully so—bringing well-deserved attention to your league. And yet, you’re still unsatisfied? Unbelievable,” one fan said.

“How hard is it to say: We’re so excited, this is a great time to be in the league. With caitlin leading the way, other stars are also shining more brightly [insert vet names]. And with [insert college stars] raising through the ranks, the sky is the limit for this league,” another fan said.

“’We should’ve given an individual award / recognition to the entire league’ 🤣🤣 So unserious.,” one user commented.

Coming off a stellar rookie year that named her the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Clark is expected to break records in the WNBA once again next season.