‘Would’ve Freaked Martina Out’- Chris Evert Once Started Off Her ‘Most Important Speech’ With a Clever Jibe at Her Rival of 15 Years

Cool as ice Chris Evert has kept her character even after retirement. Back in 2015, the 18-time Grand Slam champion lost her father. Evert was very close to her father. When he died, Evert, in her speech, humorously referred to her biggest rival.

Jimmy Evert played a significant role both as father and coach in the early stage of her career. While the demise definitely saddened her, Evert gave a eulogy filled with humor and good memories. Here’s what she said in the speech at her father’s funeral.

Chris Evert brought her humor out during her father’s funeral

While she spoke proudly about her father’s greatness, the former world number one made sure not to let the situation get tense. She used her subtle jokes and humor to bring the smile back on the face of people who gathered there for her father’s funeral. Here’s a report from Sun Sentinel.

Evert, jokingly, thanked Monsignor Vincent Kelly, who led the funeral mass, for not wearing his religious garb in the family box at her first Wimbledon.

“Or maybe it would’ve freaked my opponent out. Maybe it would’ve freaked Martina out,” Evert said.

She further added, “This is probably the most important speech I’ll have to give in my life.” 

Evert’s long-time rival and good friend Martina Navratilova was also present there for her. While Evert did the tough job, she quietly stood there and smiled at her friend’s light humor.

Read more: ‘Go Out and Run Five Miles’ – When Chris Evert Had a Sarcastic Jibe at People Obsessed With Liposuction

Evert grew up in a strict environment under the guidance of her dad. While, as a five-year-old, she used to hate it, later, she realized how important it was for her career.

Evert on the impact of her authoritarian dad

Chris Evert’s father, Jimmy Evert, was a tennis coach and taught all five of his kids to play tennis. Chris Evert recalls she was only five years old when her father cut down the enjoyment she used to have after school and started taking her straight for tennis coaching.

Watch this story: Chris Evert Looks Back at Her Astounding Rivalry With Martina Navratilova and the Negative Impact of Her 13-Match Losing Streak

From here, the journey of one of the greatest tennis players in the world started. The American recalled being mad at her dad. However, she admitted that the hard work her dad helped her put in has helped her become a better tennis player.