‘You’re Number 1 in My Eyes’- Mother’s Words of Comfort to a Teary-Eyed Jennifer Capriati After a Brutal US Open Final Loss to Venus Williams

Jennifer Capriati established herself in the tennis realm from a very young age. Her tennis exploits from the age of 13 made a remarkable impression on tennis enthusiasts. Even now, people look back upon her achievements and her zeal from a very young age to motivate aspiring tennis players. At the 2001 US Open, when she lost to Venus Williams, she could not control her tears. And at that time, her mother had her back and consoled her by boosting her morale.

However, a loss is always difficult to take when you have given your best on the court and the consistent gameplay hadn’t resulted in a victory.

Jennifer Capriati’s mother believed in her even after her loss against Venus Williams at the 2001 US Open

Well, it is a matter of fact- mothers believe when the world doesn’t. And that is exactly what Capriati’s mother did when her daughter felt her world come crashing down after her loss at the semi-finals of the US Open in 2001. She had aimed to be world no. 1 and prove to the world that she is the best.

WATCH THIS STORY: Rise of a superstar – Iga Swiatek’s victorious moments on the WTA tour

Venus Williams had defeated Capriati in straight sets and this defeat was too much for the former child prodigy to take. She stood against the wall and cried. At that point, her mother, Denise, stood by her side while stroking her back. Making her daughter believe in her capabilities, she said, “You’re great.” And like every mother in the world, she gave her confidence and said, “You’re number 1 in my eyes.”

From a child prodigy to a three-time grand slam winner

Capriati was just 13 when she reached the finals of the Virginia Slims Tournament. She became the youngest player to reach the finals of a tour. Chris Evert’s father, Jim Evert was her first coach who guided her from the young age of 5.

She had become the youngest player to reach the semifinals of a grand slam tournament at the 1990 French Open and then yet again at 1991 Wimbledon. Furthermore, she also won the Olympic gold medal in 1992. This made her the sensational player that she was. However, she took a break from 1994 to 1997 to overcome tennis burnout.

READ MORE: ‘You Can Only Play Tennis for So Long’ – Serena Williams Once Dished Out Life Advice to Jennifer Capriati After Her Unfortunate Bout With Depression

After that, Capriati made her breakthrough in the 2001 Australian Open winning her first grand slam title. In the same year, she won the French Open. Despite facing a heartbreaking loss at the US Open in 2001, she won her third grand slam title at the 2002 Australian Open. Eventually, she retired at the end of the 2004 season leaving a legendary tennis legacy behind.