‘She Lives a Double Life’- When Chris Evert Disclosed What Jennifer Capriati’s Mind Was Filled With

Chris Evert, the 18 times Grand Slam champion, is one of the best tennis players ever. She has records that will take decades to break. However, it doesn’t mean her entire career was a cakewalk. She has dealt with her fair share of hardships and that is why she understands what other players feel after a defeat or victory better than anyone.

Speaking of this reminds how she brilliantly placed Jennifer Capriati’s case in front of the tennis fraternity. Capriati, who was struggling with her game in the initial years, received the veteran’s support in a crucial moment.

Chris Evert explains Capriati’s struggle

In a 1992 interview, Evert spoke about the former World no.1 and disclosed how her mind needed some time to sort things out. As the veteran was a close friend of Capriati, no one from tennis knew her as well as she did. Therefore, she took the initiative to bring concerns to people’s attention. And said, “She loves to play tennis. It’s what goes along with it that’s bothering her now. When she played the Italian Open, she was a little heavy, and the press wrote she was fat. She’s lost that weight (20 pounds).”

“She doesn’t like being away from her school friends. I don’t think she knows what’s reality. Is reality at home with her friends, or is reality on the (tennis) circuit with all the publicity? She lives a double life.” She added.

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 Thereafter, Evert concluded, “That’s why every time she walks on the court, she looks confused.” Later Capriati, the American tennis ace, proved true to her faith and claimed 14 singles titles, including two Australian Open and one French Open trophy.

Evert’s fight against cancer

The seven times French Open champion after losing her sister, Jeanne Evert Dublin herself struggled with the deadly disease. Knowing very well how the loss of a close one affects a person, she underwent a precautionary hysterectomy, and that is when she was diagnosed with stage 1C ovarian cancer.

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In January of this year, she broke the news to her fans by writing a letter to ESPN. Following that, she opted for immediate medical help and after six chemotherapy sessions, the American finally got rid of the disease. She now has returned to her normal lifestyle and is continuing her broadcasting role at ESPN.