‘Kids Were Let Off School’ – Legendary Tennis Player Opens Up About Playing The Best Match Against Chris Evert in Front of Queen Elizabeth II

Virginia Wade, a three-time Grand Slam champion, recalls her memorable encounter at Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club against former World No. 1 Chris Evert.

Wade faced off against top-seeded Evert in the women’s singles semi-final at Wimbledon in 1977.

The best time for Virginia Wade to realize her dream

Before competing at Wimbledon in 1977, the British tennis player had won two Grand Slam singles titles. In 1968, she won the US Open singles title, and four years later, in 1972, she won the Australian Open.

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While speaking to Eurosport, the British player paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and expressed immense delight at playing that match in front of the Queen of England. She added that it was necessary to sign an entry form to register for the Wimbledon competition back then. She believed that after winning the first two Grand Slams, it was time to grab the Wimbledon crown.

Wade continued by saying, “A few days later, I found out the Queen was going to be there on ladies’ final day so I thought that’s my inspiration and determination. She’s going to be there, and I thought I better win because I might not have another chance!

I played my best match ever I think in the semi-finals against Chris Evert and in the final the whole world was watching, kids were let off school to watch and everything went according to plan. I think the Queen has that effect”.

The game that became legendary for Wade

Unlike in 1977, Virginia Wade’s Wimbledon triumphs have been marred by more defeats than victories. She struggled with issues such as concentration, ground strokes, and footwork, and also could not remain level-headed. Due to this, her rivals got a fair chance to win against her.

That year, however, the British icon was ready to face her opponents with immense confidence and mental stability. Wade defeated the then-World No.1 seed Chris Evert 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 in her Wimbledon semi-final to get to the final against seventh-seeded Betty Stove. The defending champion, Chris Evert, had only lost a few of singles matches out of the 56 she had played that year.

After losing the first set 4-6, Wade stepped up and won the final two sets 6-3, 6-1, defeating the Dutch player, Betty Stove, to win the title.

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