The Olympics is one of the most prestigious sports events for every athlete. But is it an opportunity worth golden dreams or a mere distraction for ATP and WTA players? Former American player Chris Evert has candidly spoken on the matter, which might raise many eyebrows. While another Olympic cycle begins for tennis players, Evert’s opinion brings a pertinent question changing people’s perspective on this elite sports event.

When Evert spoke about the Games, she took a sly dig at the Olympics’ required focus, energy, and resilience compared to what tennis players normally experience at any tournament. The Olympics’ demand to ensure national pride, combined with the high stakes of the players with their skills, and makes the event more exhausting and difficult.

Tennis Journalist Randy Walker shared Evert’s recent conversation with ESPN, where she commented about the intense emotional and physical demands from players during the Paris Olympics. “I think it’s like three tournaments,” Evert mentioned, as shared by Walker on X. The Olympics is not only about competing against a country’s top players. It is also about its atmosphere, where players go through the stress of representing their country, media obligations, various ceremonies, and of course, the camaraderie!

Evert emphasizes how tennis players have shown incredible energy in all the Olympic events. Given their demand to stay fit and focused, all the players took great enthusiasm to represent their country and engage with other country’s players to make the event successful.

While Chris Evert expressed concerns over players’ suffering from the Olympics’ pressure in the middle of an already hectic season, she talked about the impact the event should have on viewers. Evert tweeted, “I mean, if these 2 weeks don’t inspire us to go workout, lift weights, run, walk, swim, just MOVE…. I don’t know what will.” 

At some point, it seemed as if the Olympians in Paris this year failed to impress her. Evert can’t be blamed! In the third round, America’s star player, Coco Gauff, was kicked out by Donna Vekic, which disappointed many American fans. Then, Danielle Collins ended her Olympic run in the quarterfinals after Iga Swiaek defeated her. Despite much expectation, America’s performance in Paris was average.

While American tennis players disheartened Evert, she was extremely delighted to see Djokovic win the gold in Paris. Despite her anguish, she gave incredible praise to the Serb.

Chris Evert believed Djokovic’s “GOAT status is cemented“

Every player’s dream is to win a gold for their country in the Olympics, and Djokovic, a legendary name in tennis, did that at 37. His age is important because he achieved an eccentric feat when most players think of retirement. Nonetheless, Djokovic won the gold medal and left the tennis world in awe. Evert, impressed by Djokovic’s success, said. “Novak….. His love for the game and his country is unprecedented. The strength of his mind is incomparable. His GOAT status is cemented. So happy for him…@DjokerNole @Olympics,” she wrote.

The Olympics is a highly anticipated event. Given it brings honor to the country every four years, every player offers their heart and soul into its preparation. However, the Olympics also demand participation in many other events that can be stressful for players.

Evert’s statement refers to the pressure of the tennis players, leaving a burning question among people: Does all the glitz and glamor add any value to a prestigious sports event like the Olympics?