Chris Evert is one of those tennis legends who constantly encouraged the younger generation to go after their goals. Her career was so successful that it had become a benchmark for success. However, these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without her parents.

Her parents were the ones who encouraged Evert greatly to take up tennis as a profession when she was a child. She once gushed about her mom’s immense help in achieving the legendary status that she enjoys at present.

Chris Evert once thanked her mother for her immense contribution to her success

In 2020, the 18-time Grand Slam winner spoke about her mother and appreciated the immense contribution she had in her success. It was the same year her mother, Colette Evert, passed away at the age of 92. “She was so gracious, always cheering for my opponent, never a bad word for anyone. She was always sweet and kind to everyone, balancing our lives to be not all tennis,” said Evert with a heavy heart.

The 67-year-old further added, “Her dedication as a wife and mother was solid and unmatched. She was the definition of goodness. My mother was a saint.” 

READ MORE: ‘Never Had Sisters’ – Chris Evert Once Revealed Mother’s Reaction About Her Father’s Lack of Emotional Support for Her

Apart from her daughter, almost everyone who had interacted with Colette Evert had praised her mild-mannered nature, both during her children’s matches and off the court.

Martina Navratilova once spoke highly about Evert’s mother

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have been long-time rivals on the court and good friends off of it. After the demise of Evert’s mother, Navratilova remarked how inspiring Colette was as a role model for tennis parents around the world. She took to Twitter after Evert announced her mother’s passing, and replied, “Colette was as good a person as one could ever meet- and a role model for all tennis parents… RIP Colette Evert…”

The fact that she never lost her cool, while also being generous and showering love on people around her, earned her universal adoration. She was a regular spectator at her children’s sporting events for several decades. Her kindness and patience won the admiration of other parents and participants. According to Evert, her mother was a huge tennis fan and would often root for the opponent during her children’s matches.

WATCH THE STORY: Chris Evert looks back at her astounding rivalry with Martina Navratilova and the negative impact of her 13-match losing streak