It was the year 1974. Chris Evert had reached the final of the French Open that year. Moreover, it was her fourth Grand Slam final appearance, having tasted defeats on the three previous occasions. The fortunes changed this time around for the American star as she defeated Olga Morozova in the summit clash of the 1974 French Open to win her maiden Grand Slam singles title.

It was just the beginning of an illustrious career for Evert. Further, she went on to add another 17 major titles to take her tally to 18. During her childhood, Evert received massive backing from her parents to pursue a career in tennis. She once praised her mother for her substantial contribution to her career.

Chris Evert has special words for her mother

The American tennis legend once described the special qualities of her mother. She said, “My mother was the greatest tennis mom you could wish for. She was calm and kind, and even clapped louder for my opponents than for me, just to be nice.”

Further, Evert went on to add, “In the early 1970s, everyone fell in love with Evonne Goolagong. When I beat her at a USTA event, my mom, who already knew Evonne, said to her after, “Oh Evonne, don’t worry. You’ll get her next time.” That was my mom.”

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Evert was lucky enough to have parents who believed in her dream and supported her throughout her life. While Evert’s father took care of nurturing her skills in tennis, her mother traveled with her to the tennis tournaments and provided the vital support that every potential champion needs.

Evert pays tribute to Steffi Graf

Earlier this week, Chris Evert paid tribute to the German tennis legend on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Graf’s Golden Slam. She said, “Winning the Golden Slam will be almost impossible to replicate….and she achieved it with her trademark humility.”

Graf had achieved this rarest of feats in 1988 when she clinched the gold medal at the Seoul Olympics. She became the first player, male or female, to achieve a Golden Slam in tennis.

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