‘Dad Turned It Down’ – Following in the Footsteps of Venus Williams, Chris Evert Spills the Beans on How Father’s Stern Decision Impacted Her Tennis Career

Chris Evert, the American tennis icon, graced the courts of Roland-Garros with her maiden appearance in 1973. Yet her journey to the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam was a trial of obstacles. Her potential debut, two years prior to her first appearance, had stoically faced the refusal by her father, who believed it was not the right time for the 16-year-old. His decision, seemingly discouraging at the time, was soon justified in Evert’s unstoppable career. In a similar position, Venus Williams faced a profound moment of transformation spearheaded by her father’s proactive decision.

Richard Williams, indisputably devoted to his daughters, withdrew Venus from competitive junior tennis until attaining a certain age. He had wished to focus her attention on training and development. This decision would soon prove determinant in Venus’ successes, as she totaled 7 Grand Slams titles in her exemplary career.

Evert shares her childhood experience, which has an uncanny Venus Williams’ story

The American tennis veteran Chris Evert’s exemplary journey was far from easy. When the 16-year-old was invited to be part of the 1971 French Open, her father declined the offer. It seemed like a heavy blow then, but ultimately this decision would prove to be a turning point in Evert’s amazing career. A similar story had unfolded for the American tennis star Venus Williams. Her father, Richard Williams, was a strong believer in his daughters’ capability and wanted to give them the best upbringing for success in the sport. This is why he decided to withdraw her from junior competitive tennis. He wished the sisters to remain committed to the development of their skills.

In the interview, Evert said, “I played at Wimbledon in 1972, but 1973 was my first time on the European continent. I had been invited to play the French two years before, but my dad turned it down because he didn’t think I was ready.”

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Evert also expressed her excitement about her first visit to Paris as an 18-year-old. In the interview, she shared how she had found her maturity and readiness to explore the world. Before her trip, she had only read about the city and seen it on television. However, she recognized that experiencing it firsthand was an entirely different experience. Evert emphasized the significance of understanding the history of Paris, as well as appreciating its iconic landmarks. According to Evert, Paris encapsulates a unique blend of vibrancy and romance. She reminded her fans that it made it a truly captivating destination for any traveler.

Evert once compared herself with Venus’ younger sister, Serena Williams

Evert once discussed the significant influence Richard Williams had on Serena’s professional journey. In a 2022 interview, she commended the impact Serena had off the tennis court. The ‘Ice Maiden’ and Serena have inspired young women to embrace their power, express their thoughts confidently, and exhibit fearlessness. Evert also acknowledged Richard Williams’ pivotal role in instilling fearlessness in his daughters, attributing much credit to him for their achievements.

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Furthermore, Evert drew a comparison between her career and Serena’s. The veteran had reflected on her own experiences of living with fear. She remarked that growing up with fearless parents can be advantageous, emphasizing its importance.