‘Is It Something You Care About?’- When Chris Evert Accused Serena Williams of Losing Focus in an Open Letter

Serena Williams is one of the most impactful players of this generation. The unrivaled 23-time Grand Slam champion ruled the courts for more than 20 years. Alongside that, she ventured into the world of business and the entertainment industry as well. However, her taking an interest in other fields made renowned personalities question her dedication to the sport, and Chris Evert was one of the staunchest critics of Serena at that time.

Many fans and critics, along with Chris Evert, labeled her activities as distractions. They dragged her under the microscope and accused her of losing focus.

Chris Evert’s criticism of Serena Williams

The 18-time Grand Slam champion wasn’t pleased with the younger Williams sister’s distraction that came from seeking growth in different areas. She believed that it will ruin her otherwise brilliant tennis career.

In order to convey her concern, Evert wrote a letter which dates back to the year 2006 and advised her to realign her focus. “I’ve been thinking about your career, and something is troubling me. I appreciate that becoming a well-rounded person is important to you. Still, a question lingers—do you ever consider your place in history? Is it something you care about?”

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The former world no.1 cited Serena’s brilliant form before her off-court distractions began and added, “You won five of the six Grand Slams you entered over the 2002 and 2003 seasons and looked utterly dominant in the process. Then you got sidetracked with injuries, pet projects, and indifference and have won only one major in the last seven you’ve played. I find those results hard to fathom.” 

Williams, in just four years of her debut, started dominating the majors. Her first Grand Slam came in 1999 at the US Open and by 2003, her name was engraved on at least one trophy from each Grand Slam.

Thereafter, Evert added, “You’re still only 24, well within your prime. These are crucial years that you’ll never get back. Why not dedicate yourself entirely for the next five years and see what you can achieve?”

Though one can say that Serena did a really good job in balancing each and every aspect of her life. As now she runs an entire firm which invests in innovative startups and recently raised a humongous sum of 111 million dollars. Further speaking of her career, she is just one Grand Slam win away from tying her tally with Margaret Court.

Williams’ comeback

The former World no.1 after keeping out of the circuit for almost a year because of a hamstring injury made her comeback to singles at the Wimbledon Championships.

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Prior to that, she decided to oil her skills in doubles in the Eastbourne International. Williams, alongside Ons Jabeur, made a run till the semifinals. At Wimbledon, she locked horns with Harmony Tan in the Grand Slam. However, she failed to get the better of the French star and suffered a first round exit.