‘I Wouldn’t Be as Good Without Her’- Chris Evert on Rivalry With Martina Navratilova

Tennis still celebrated Chris Evert, a gem of a player who ruled the courts in the 90s. She has made and broken several records. Evert has 157 singles and 32 doubles career titles. The 18 times Grand Slam champion retired in the year 1989 after having a career overlapping with tennis legends such as Billie Jean King and witnessing the rise of players such as Martina Navratilova.  

Recently, she spoke about her time in tennis and how she maintained her focus and form. In addition to that, she also revealed the players against whom playing was most challenging for her.

Chris Evert speaks about her rivalry with Martina Navratilova

Chris Evert, while in an interview with ESPN journalist Chris McKendry, spoke about a variety of things. From taking a small trip down memory lane to speaking about her hardships, she did it all. Further, she also addressed her rivalry with the Czechoslovakian tennis star Martina Navratilova. She said, “My career wouldn’t be as exciting. It also might be a little bit boring, and I don’t think I would become the player I ended up becoming without her.”

Read more: ‘Still Mesmerized by This!’- Chris Evert Reacts As Novak Djokovic Battles Past Laslo Djere in 3 Hours 21 Minutes

“I wouldn’t be as good without her. I’m so thrilled that she was in my era and really helped me to become a better player. Physically, to become a better athlete. To be stronger in my convictions, to speak out. I mean, BJK and Martina were two very strong women in my era. They had some very strong platforms.” She added.

Evert’s contributions apart from tennis

Chris Evert has always been a person who stands strong for the betterment of society. In fact, she also helped BJK in her social endeavors. She runs a fundraiser called Celebrity Fight Night Foundation, which helps fulfill the health needs of people. Further, she founded Chris Evert charities, which distributes money from her annual charity tennis matches to fight drug abuse and assist neglected and abused children in South Florida.

Watch this story: Maria Sharapova once took a sly dig at Serena Williams and her relationship with Patrick Mouratoglou

However, her indulgence in the social work does not mean she evaded tennis. After her retirement from professional tennis, Evert with her brother John started Evert Tennis Academy in the year 1996 to guide kids who aspire to become professionals in tennis.