‘He Was Almost a Savior’ – Hall of Famer Chris Evert’s Honest Admission Once on How Andy Mill Made Her Take a Big Tennis Decision With Ease
On October 9, 1989, Chris Evert played his last professional match in the Fed Cup Finals to end his illustrious tennis career on a winning note. However, retirement was the toughest time for the 18-time Grand Slam champion, as her whole life revolved around sport. Despite the challenges brought on by the change, having a supportive partner got the American tennis legend through the toughest time of his life.
The ‘Ice Maiden’ retired at the age of 34. And throughout her incredible time on the tennis court, she was never ranked below fourth place as a singles player. Understandably, the former world No. 1 was mentally drained from playing tennis continuously for almost two decades.
Chris Evert explains how her ex-husband became her savior
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Evert sat down for an interview with Charlie Rose which took place in 1994, 5 years after the American tennis player called off her career. The broadcaster asked the former world number one in the interview how it felt to leave everything behind and retire.
NEWPORT, RI – JULY 22: Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert applauds upon arriving at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 22, 2017 in Newport, Rhode Island. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images for the International Tennis Hall of Fame)
She said, “I don’t know what I would have done. Because it was my family. My family was on the tennis tour, and Andy was like, he was almost a savior, he came over and then I kind of said, shoo, now I have something to go to. Because you always, when you retire and leave something, you like going to something, you know, it’s you know.
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The tennis legend believed having the former athlete by his side was vital after his retirement, as it helped him fight loneliness and gave him purpose. However, there was a time when the 18-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about the benefits of retirement after playing tennis for so long.
Evert on his retirement rejuvenation
In an old interview, the former world number one opened up about how every morning felt like a vacation after her retirement. She also explained that she never realized the amount of pressure that built up when she was an athlete.
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WATCH THIS STORY – Chris Evert reflects on his stunning rivalry with Martina Navratilova and the negative impact of her 13-game losing streak
Evert particularly talked about how different everything felt after starting a family. One day you’re traveling the world as a star and the next day you’re a stay-at-home mom. However, Evert overcame this phase successfully and is now living her life as a renowned pundit, providing her expert opinion mainly during Grand Slams.