‘Blew Me off the Court’- Chris Evert Looks Back at Her Astounding Rivalry With Martina Navratilova and the Negative Impact of Her 13-Match Losing Streak

Legendary tennis star, Chris Evert, recently spoke about her infamous rivalry with her close friend Martina Navratilova. The two American girls dominated the world back in the era of 1970s and 80s. However, a match between these two was on a completely different level. While the first few matches between them went in Evert’s favor, Navratilova largely dominated the 80s.

In the start of the decade, Evert found herself in a 13-match losing streak against Navratilova. However, she regained her confidence and finally broke the two and half-year curse to win in her 14th attempt. Here’s what the legend recalls about the mental impact of a losing streak.

Chris Evert on her losing streak

In a recent podcast, Evert opened up about the thoughts inside her mind when she kept losing to her compatriot Navratilova. “She was so dominant. She just blew me off the court for two and a half years. And I was I’d walk on the court and I go, I just like, I knew I was gonna lose. And it’s not the right way. You know, I wish I hadn’t felt that way. But she just she owned me during those two and a half years,” Evert said.

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Further, the 67-year-old revealed how she overcame this feeling. “I don’t know how but that 14th match, I beat her. And then after I beat her, I beat her again and again and again. So I finally realized I just was so stubborn. I didn’t want to change my game, but I changed my game and I beat her,” she concluded.

Evert reveals her calm nature is restricted only to the court

In her playing days, Evert had a reputation for having a cool head. She used to read the situation well. Whenever there was a pressure situation, she kept herself composed and go about her things calmly. In a condition where most of the players used to panic, Evert gave some brilliant performances.

Reflecting on her ability on the court, Evert said she was able to do it only inside the tennis court. Speaking about her personal life, the 67-year-old revealed that she could not replicate the same in her life away from tennis. She termed her personal life as a ‘wreck.’

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Unlike her career in tennis, Evert had a rather difficult personal life. Be it her married life or health, the legend faced various challenges. Still, the way she stood strong against all the adversities is truly inspirational.