American tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert ruled the era of the 70s and 80s. Apart from their rivalry, they were good friends as well and over the years, their friendship grew stronger. However, back in 1977, something different happened at the US Open which left the two divided. A decision from the New York Supreme court meant that Renee Richards will compete in the women’s category.

Notably, Richards had a sex change operation before getting into the US Open. A transgender competing in the Women’s leg of the tournament garnered mixed reactions from fellow WTA players. Interestingly, Navratilova and Evert were on opposite sides of opinion.

When Chris Evert recalled the 1977 US Open

Going in the US Open, Richards had the backing of Women’s Pro Tour creator Gladys Heldman, tennis great Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova. However, Chris Evert and other female tennis players had doubts about sharing the locker room with Richards. Back in 2012, Evert recalled the common position of her colleagues.

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“It was a little uncomfortable to go into the locker room. Rene was there. It was embarrassing that she was looking at us. Yes, she was an amiable person and did not take offense at insults. It was a life lesson and it definitely made me a better person,” Evert said.

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Evert cites science to support her claim on the trans athlete debate

Chris Evert also had her say on the soaring debate of allowing trans athletes to participate with women. The 18-time Grand Slam champion recalled the difficulty she had as a top-ranked tennis player to defeat 43-year-old Renee Richards.

She made a statement that if a 43-year-old can do that to the world number 1 she would have easily wiped everyone off at an age of 25.

WATCH THIS STORY – ‘Soften Your Edges’ – Chris Evert’s Bold Prediction About Serena Williams’ Success on Tour Right After Olympia’s Birth in 2017

To further strengthen her claims the former world number one cited scientific reasons such as the wingspan, the size of the heart, lungs, speed, muscles, and testosterone to be completely different between a man and woman. What do you think about the debate? Let us know in the comments.