‘Every Morning Felt Like a Vacation’ – Chris Evert Reveals Retirement Rejuvenated Her Life

It was the Fed Cup final in 1989. Title favorites, the United States was up against Spain in the summit clash. The American team, boasting the likes of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, had dominated other teams en route to the finals. In the opening match, Evert was up against Conchita Martínez. The former won the match easily in straight sets. Subsequently, the American team won the next two matches to lift the Fed Cup.

However, it was a bitter-sweet victory for the United States. It was Evert’s last professional match as she announced her retirement. It was an illustrious career filled with many glorious moments. In the years to follow, Evert talked about how she felt after she retired from tennis.

Chris Evert on her retirement

During an interview, the American legend opened up about her life after retirement. She said, “For those first 10 years every morning felt like vacation. I hadn’t realized how much pressure had built up inside me. I got my life back. Around the same time, I met my husband and had kids. And then you’re totally knocked off your pedestal.”

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Further, she added, “One day I was traveling on private jets. Suddenly you’re traveling with a baby and your hair’s a mess and there’s throw-up on your shoulder. It’s not just about you.”

Evert’s rivalry with Martina Navratilova

Although teammates for the United States’ Fed Cup team and good friends off the court, Evert, and Navratilova were strong rivals on the women’s tour. They often found each other on the opposite ends of the court in big matches. While Evert dominated the early part of their rivalry, Navratilova came back strongly to have a superior head-to-head record against her good friend. Of the 80 matches played between them, Navratilova has a slight lead by winning 43 of those matches.

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After her retirement, Evert became a host and commentator for ESPN.