Chris Evert had an adorable message for the “rock” of her life. Since last year, the former player has been fighting with a serious illness, but that couldn’t undermine her spirit. Reason? Evert’s wonderful kids! They didn’t let their familial bond get weakened by anything. After so many years, a “proud” mother’s confession shows how there is nothing more potent than love to heal the wounds. But before we get to that…

Her kids have always been her pillars of strength, especially when she was battling the darkest phase of her life in December 2021 when she was diagnosed with Stage 1C ovarian cancer. What’s even more heartbreaking is her own sister Jeanne had passed away from the same disease in 2020, which prompted the family to pursue genetic testing. Test results detected the tennis icon had a risk of developing the disease. However, during a preventive hysterectomy, it was discovered that she already had it. After intense battles that needed robotic surgery and chemotherapy leading to hair loss, the legend declared she was cancer-free on ESPN.

However, her day of happiness didn’t last long, as she was diagnosed with the Stage 1 Ovarian cancer again in December 2023. She missed the 2024 Australian Open due to chemotherapy, but showed great resilience throughout her treatment. And the 69-year-old’s recent update on Instagram, perfectly encapsulates how struggles have brought her closer to her family.

“Happy 33rd birthday to my amazing son Alex ❤️. Thank you for being my rock the last few years when I’ve needed you. Watching you grow into the kind and caring person you are today fills me with pride. Here’s to many more years of love, happiness, and adventure! ❤️ Mom,” wrote Evert on Instagram. Her statement highlighted how Alex had comforted her during her crucial days.

Last year also, she dropped a similar wish for her eldest. “Happy Birthday to my eldest son, Alex! so proud to be your mama…Love you to the moon and back❤️🎂🎁🎉” Evert wrote.

She shared some amazing photos of the mother-son duo, too. However, the audience was moved when Evert’s firstborn replied with an even more adorable comment that said, “Love you, ma!” Chris Evert always spoke about how caring her children are. However, the credit goes to the legend only, as she offered great parenting to them. Once, she had a detailed discussion about it that highlighted how good techniques help children grow positively.

Different parenting techniques helped Chris Evert have a loving family

The Hall of Famer is mother to three boys—Alex was born in 1991, to the former player’s ex-husband David Mill, with whom she was married for 18 years. Nicholas was born in 1994 and Colton was born in 1996. While the trio used to play tennis during high school, none of them pursued it professionally. Instead, Alex is a former skateboarder and is currently an Invictus athlete. Evert’s other two sons are rather private about their lives.

In an interview with the Daily Mail in 2016, the retired veteran spoke about her unique parenting technique. Because my upbringing was so strict, so black and white with no gray, I went the other way with my sons. I listened to them; and let them talk me into letting them stay up an extra hour at bedtime. I probably could have been stricter, but I’d tell them, ‘Just do your best.’ As a result, they are very kind and loving,” she said. Her statement echoed her method that nurtured her kids potentially and allowed them to be sensitive.

Chris Evert’s bond with her children warms the fraternity’s heart with absolute delight. After so many years, the way her kids love her shows her talent in motherhood too. As supporters of the sport and its legends, we hope Evert will always be surrounded by her loved ones to fight any odds in the future.