‘My Mother Was Sobbing Hysterically’- ‘Embarrassed’ Chris Evert Was Once Left Grappling With Emotions Despite a Career-Defining Victory

Former American tennis star Chris Evert is popular for her cool head and wise decision-making. On the court, one can never figure out the nervousness of crunch situations. However, the former world number one didn’t know how to react after winning a Major title at home.

Getting enormous support from the local crowd and her loved ones, it was difficult to hold her emotions after winning her first US Open title in 1975. Here’s what she recalls of the event.

Chris Evert was embarrassed after winning the first title at home

Although it was not her first Grand Slam title, winning it in the US was a completely different feeling. Her mother was there sobbing and a huge crowd stood behind her. While the American felt emotions got better of her at that point, she also had a feeling of embarrassment, as she wanted to be tough. Here’s what she recalls of the incident in an interview with Steveflink.com.

“I remember looking up when I won it and my mother was sobbing hysterically and I felt kind of embarrassed because I was more like my Dad in not showing my emotions,” Evert said.

She further added, ” I had to be in the moment with her all the time. Winning that tournament meant a lot to me. You feel the energy of the crowds and know they are pulling for you. That makes you want to go up another level in awareness and concentration.”

It was just the beginning for Evert, as we saw her conquer many more times in her career.

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Chris Evert had a strict childhood and a disciplinarian father. It was one of the main reasons she grew up emotionless, but it helped her in tennis as she was able to keep her cool in tough situations rather than getting carried away because of emotions.

Strict childhood helped Evert’s tennis

Growing up under the able guidance of an able father and tennis coach, Evert had a very restrictive childhood. Adding to that, she enrolled in a catholic school. However, the 18-time Grand Slam champion believes that it in a way kept her away from distractions and helped her focus on tennis and work harder.

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However, the legend recalls her mother as the persuasive one. She helped Evert with her dad whenever she wanted to have a bit of enjoyment. In all, it was definitely hard days growing up for Evert, but it surely paid off later in her career.