Serena Williams, the 23 times Grand Slam champion is a multi-talented person. She has touched great heights in almost everything she has laid her eyes on. However, Williams discovering new areas has always made people question her focus on the sport.

Some of the major entities of tennis have raised concerns about her dedication to the game several times in the past. One of them is the 18 times Grand Slam champion, Chris Evert.

Evert drags Serena Williams

Evert in 2007 wrote a letter to openly addressed how she doesn’t approve of players prioritizing fame and money over tennis. After giving a pilot to the matter, she brought Williams into it and mentioned, “I don’t see how acting and designing clothes can compare with the pride of being the best tennis player in the world.” Though Williams never responded to the allegations put forth by Evert.

However, the veteran’s open letter caused a ruckus in the fraternity. In a response to that, she said, “I’m not confrontational by nature. But if I believe in something, I’ll step out of my comfort zone. Maybe that surprised people.”

Read more: ‘Forge Your Path’ – Serena Williams Oozes Confidence as She Details a Self-Made Promise

Evert has a history of getting involved in verbal fights with the duo’s father Richard Williams. King Richard, the very protective father of Venus and Serena Williams, earlier accused the former World no.1 of not accepting the duo and nicknamed her ‘little white no-good trashers.’

Williams’ comeback

Williams made a comeback in this season’s grass swing after keeping out of the circuit for almost a year. She, after executing a run till the semifinals of the Eastbourne International, jumped on the grass courts of London. However, at Wimbledon, she failed to leave an impact and packed her bags in the opening round only. The French young blood Harmony Tan outclassed the seven times champion in sets of 7-5, 1-6, 7 (10)- 6 (7).

Watch this story: Serena Williams vs Elon Musk, net worth comparison 

Though Williams is still optimistic about achieving some records this season as she gears up for the fourth and last Grand Slam. Before testing her skills in the hard courts of the US Open, Williams has decided to regain her grip on the game via Canadian and Cincinnati Masters.