Miami Open: Ailing Chris Evert Continues to Act as a Beacon of Support to Victoria Azarenka and Coco Gauff

Chris Evert is not only a legendary tennis player but also a mentor and friend of many rising stars of the sport. Whether it be Ajla Tomljanović or Coco Gauff, there are a lot of players on the current circuit who have taken inspiration from the 18-time Grand Slam champion. But now even Victoria Azarenka has talked about Evert’s influence on the sport, stating her contribution to be ‘undeniable’. 

Talking about the ‘difficult moments’ in Evert’s life, Victoria Azarenka revealed that she ‘looks up’ to her. Let’s take a look at what the two-time Grand Slam champion has to say about Evert.

Victoria Azarenka talks highly about Chris Evert 

Recently, after defeating Yulia Putintseva in the quarterfinal round of the Miami Open, during her post-match press conference, Victoria Azarenka was asked about her equation with the 18-time Grand Slam champion. She highlighted that the American tennis legend is a good friend of hers, and she also explained how their friendship is beyond tennis.

Victoria Azarenka stated, “I definitely look up to her. As you said, she’s an incredible legend of our sport. What she has done for women’s tennis is undeniable. I feel like we don’t necessarily talk so much about tennis. I really appreciate her as a person, and she’s been going through some difficult moments in the last few years. Definitely just trying to kind of support her in that way.”

Along with that, Victoria Azarenka also highlighted how Evert always keeps a check on her from time to time, wishing her the best on and off the court. Subsequently, Azarenka detailed how the 69-year-old tennis legend believes in her pretty strongly, giving her a boost.

Further, she was quite happy and grateful to have the opportunity to connect with such a legend, who has literally played a big role in transforming the sport. On the other hand, just a few days ago, even the 20-year-old American tennis player opened up about what Evert meant to her.

Gauff opens up about her learnings from Evert 

Despite not being able to witness Evert’s greatness in person due to a generational divide, Gauff talked about the enormous impact Evert has had on tennis, However, on the other hand, she also stressed how their off-court encounters have helped her to deeply appreciate her legacy.

Gauff stated, “I didn’t grow up watching a lot of her tapes just because she was a couple generations past me. But I’ve gotten to know her off the court a little bit more.”

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Chris Evert’s fondness among the WTA players? Do let us know in the comments section below.

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