‘Suffer From Agoraphobia’ – The Actual Reason Behind Chris Evert’s Father’s Significant Absence in Her Historic Wins

Chris Evert became one of the best in tennis because of the right guidance she received during her childhood. She trained under her father in her early days. Jimmy Evert directed her on the right path and kept her humble throughout her career. As nothing in the world can ruin a person like pride.

However, with time and the 18 times Grand slam champion’s increasing fame, the thrill her matches carried started getting on his nerves. Therefore, coach Evert, who always stood by her side, decided to evade such situations. Although the veteran understood his circumstances, it still made her a bit sad.

Chris Evert about her father’s condition

In a 2010 interview, Evert opened up about the same and explained the absence of her father in her games. She said, “Over the course of my career, we did most of our communicating over the phone. He didn’t go to many pro tournaments because he can suffer from agoraphobia.” Agoraphobia is a medical condition which causes extreme fear or irritation of entering crowded places.

Thereafter, she added, “He was there for only one of my U.S. Open titles and never saw me win Wimbledon or the French Open. Of course, I wanted him to be there, but overall, his absence didn’t bother me too much.”

“He got anxious in those types of situations, and it would have worried me knowing he was uncomfortable.” Evert explained. Jimmy trained two World No.1s. Other than coaching the seven times French Open champion, he also played an important part in the two times Australian Open champion Jennifer Capriati’s career.

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Jimmy left the world for the holy abode in 2015, aged 91, but his memories are still fresh in his daughter’s mind who often speaks about her strict yet loving father.

Evert’s struggle with cancer

The veteran, after losing her sister to cancer, tested positive for the same during a preventive hystectomy. Jeanne Evert Dubin, after bravely fighting against the deadly ovarian cancer for over 2 years, passed away in the year 2020 and her death in a way saved her elder sister. In January 2021, Evert was diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer.

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Though as the disease was in the initial stage, the six time US Open champion got rid of it in a span of months. She underwent six chemotherapy sessions and restarted her life with fresh energy.