Every athlete has their own story of how they called off their professional career. The 18-time Grand Slam champion, Chris Evert, showcased dedication and determination to her sport throughout her career and even after her retirement. Despite having the same love and dedication for skiing, her ex-husband, Andy Mill, had a very contrasting career. The American tennis legend once opened up about what ruined Mill’s skiing career. 

Both well-known personalities were married for almost 18 years. But unfortunately, after having three kids, the tennis legend divorced the former Alpine ski racer in 2006. Even after that, when the American star was diagnosed with cancer, Mill was right beside her during her toughest time – her battle with cancer. 

Chris Evert once talked about what drowned Andy Mill’s career 

In 1994, when the 18-time Grand Slam Champion was happily married to the ski racer, in an interview with Charlie Rose, she reflected a lot about her professional tennis career and also highlighted her life outside the tennis court. In that interview, Rose asked a question about her then-husband’s career downfall as an Alpine Ski racer. 

She said, “I think it manifests itself a little bit differently. Andy worked just as hard. He was very disciplined in his working habits, and– but Andy, he’s very outgoing, and he’s a people person. He was distracted a little bit more. I almost think that the more introverted you are, the more– it’s easier to have that hunger or that desire.” 

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The former world number one, despite voicing such criticism, believed that the 69-year-old former ski racer was highly focused and disciplined in his work ethic. However, even after facing a downfall in his own career, Mill helped the ‘Ice Maiden’ to stay a little longer on the tennis court. 

When Mill motivated Evert to remain active on the WTA Tour

The 18-time Grand Slam champion talked about how her second husband momentarily altered her outlook in an old interview. She emphasized the fact that he was forced out of his profession just after facing one professional setback.

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The former ski racer also counseled the American tennis star that any athletic career is extremely short. And that one should constantly seek out the enjoyable aspects of being an athlete. The tennis legend did attempt to heed his advice, but after a voyage fraught with ups and downs, she agreed to end her career as one of the greatest tennis legends the sport has ever known.