High-profile athletes often find themselves in the spotlight off the field as well, and sometimes not for their gameplay. In 2006, tennis legend Chris Evert, winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, made headlines by paying her ex-husband, Olympic skier Andy Mill, a settlement that included over ₹60 crore (≈ $7 million), vehicles, and a luxury vacation home. This case stands out because, in a rare reversal, a top-earning female athlete provided a substantial alimony to her ex-husband.
Background: A Sports Power Couple’s Split
- Chris Evert and Andy Mill married in 1988 after an impressive 18-year tennis career and a successful Olympic skiing run, respectively.
- They built a loving family with three sons, born in 1991, 1994, and 1996.
- In November 2006, citing irreconcilable differences, Chris filed for divorce in Broward County, Florida.
- The divorce was finalized in December 2006, following a swift 18-year union.
The Alimony Deal: How Much and Why?
- $7 million in cash and securities went to Andy Mill.
- Broader assets included a $4 million vacation home in Aspen, Colorado, plus luxury vehicles like a Porsche.
- Chris retained their primary residence in Palm Beach, Florida, valued around $2.8 million.
- At the time, her estimated net worth was approximately $24 million, making the payout a significant portion of her wealth.
Why Did Evert Pay Such a Large Sum?
- Evert’s income from tennis far surpassed that of Mill.
- U.S. family law allows spousal support when one partner’s income is significantly higher.
- The settlement—both cash and asset transfer—aimed to maintain fairness in the split.
Life After Divorce: Co-Parenting and Respect
Despite the high-profile and emotionally charged split, Evert and Mill maintained a cordial relationship, especially for their kids:
- Mill shared in media interviews that their focus stayed on being “the best father” and “the most important thing in my life”.
- In a 2009 interview, Mill accepted divorce with dignity, reinforcing respect and emotional closure.
- Their friendly, cooperative co-parenting set a notable example in celebrity divorce circles.
Broader Context: High-Earner Women Paying Former Spouses
While spousal support is more commonly paid by men, several high-earning women have reversed the norm:
- Jennifer Lopez paid backup dancer Chris Judd a reported $15 million.
- Janet Jackson settled with Rene Elizondo for around $10 million.
- These cases reflect changing dynamics in high-earning couples and the legal shift towards gender-neutral alimony laws.
Evert’s Legacy On and Off the Court
- She was the first female athlete named Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year (1976) and was later inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (1995).
- Even after divorce, she stayed in the public eye, marrying a third time, then focusing on tennis commentary and cancer awareness campaigns.
What This Divorce Shows Us
- It’s her money too: Athletes like Evert demonstrate financial empowerment even after personal setbacks.
- Support is gender-neutral: Spousal and asset division laws apply equally to men and women.
- Co-parenting matters: Even with financial settlements, parental roles and child well-being take top priority.
- Celebrity doesn’t exclude complexity: The glamour of stardom doesn’t protect relationships from legal intricacies.
