Anyone who is an ardent tennis fan is probably aware of the close friendship that exists between the two WTA tennis legends, Chris Evert and Billie Jean King. Without a doubt, their friendship has been setting standards for the current crop of tennis players. When they were both active tennis players on the WTA Tour, they remained friends despite their on-court rivalry. Recently, the 18-time Grand Slam champion revealed how the 79-year-old tennis star is a huge part of her professional life and personal life.

More than her friendship with King, the ‘Ice Maiden’ is known for her close bond with her archrival, Martina Navratilova. But for Evert, her relationship with the founder of the WTA goes beyond the boundaries of friendship.

Chris Evert’s heartfelt tribute to her mentor

The 68-year-old tennis legend Chris Evert recently received the ITF tennis commitment award for her commendable contribution at the Billie Jean King Cup. During that event, Evert took some time out to share a very personal note about her mentor. She detailed how her dear friend, King, from their tennis playing days till to date, has been a huge part of her personal life.

She said, “She has been the biggest influence in my life, and she has been my mentor. And it started early on, when we played double together. She’d always yell at me, “Get to the net.” Ofcourse, I like to play baseline. And then later on when I remember I was breaking with Jimmy Connors and she was giving me love advice and I was like ok, fine, whatever. ” 

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Not only that, she also explained how the 79-year-old former tennis player always motivated her to be at her best, both on and off the tennis court. Additionally, she also highlighted how the 12-time Grand Slam champion was there with her during the low points in her life, including the time when she broke up with Jimmy Connors. Earlier, the 68-year-old tennis star revealed King’s advice during her breakup with tennis legend Jimmy Connors. 

When Evert disclosed King’s break-up advice to her

Evert shared the wise advice that her close buddy King provided her during her most difficult period in a podcast episode with the ‘Fantastic Tennis’ last year.

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Evert said that after she and Jimmy called off their engagement, Jean gave her advice on what to do. Additionally, the 79-year-old tennis veteran taught her the importance of knowing yourself completely before entering any form of relationship. Notably, Evert and Connor started dating in the 1970s and were on the verge of getting married before Evert had an abortion.

What do you think of the growing fondness between Evert and King over the years? Let us know in the comments.