‘Very Shrewd’ – Martina Navratilova’s Friend and Two-Time Olympian Once Snubbed Chris Evert’s Tactics Towards the Press
Follow Us
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are two of the biggest names in the history of the sport. The two are largely credited for single-handedly leading an era of women’s tennis. Even though the two were arch on-court rivals, they made sure to maintain a strong cordial bond off the court. However, that didn’t seem to go well with Navratilova’s friend, former basketball player, Nancy Lieberman.
Going back in time, Navratilova and Evert faced each other in the finals of the 1982 Toyota Championships. Being at their prime, the two treated the tennis community with a match to cherish. While the two played the match with utmost sportsmanship, their relationship suffered a loss of love owing to a press statement by Chris Evert.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Chris Evert takes a dig at Nancy Lieberman
Following the iconic clash, Evert headed for a media interaction. During the interaction, she recalled a dinner at a restaurant early in the tournament. Elaborating on the dinner, she admitted that Navratilova and Lieberman were also having dinner in the same restaurant. While things seemed fine till this point, Evert had a headline making statement waiting in the bag.
Going ahead in the conversation, Evert admitted that Navratilova greeted her but Nancy opted to keep quiet. Putting it in a one-line statement, Evert said, “Nancy doesn’t talk to me during tournaments.”
Trending
Serena Williams’ Daughter Adira Makes Her ‘Papa Pancake’ Debut as Alexis Ohanian Passes On the Tradition Set for Olympia
May 20, 2024 11:04 AM EDT
Serena Williams’ Daughter Olympia Goes Gaga Over Simone Biles’ Comeback as Alexis Ohanian Reveals Her Animated Reaction
May 20, 2024 05:03 PM EDT
Coco Gauff’s Achilles Heel Makes Iga Swiatek’s Weakness Look Feeble as She Explains Why the American Falters Behind
May 20, 2024 08:06 PM EDT
Coco Gauff’s New Doubles Partner Drops a Subtle Shade at Jessica Pegula to Celebrate Their Successful Italian Open Campaign
May 21, 2024 11:02 AM EDT
Aryna Sabalenka Makes Relationship Official With Boyfriend Georgios Frangulis as the Couple Ooze Lovely Vibes at Imola GP
May 20, 2024 05:04 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Being one of the most prominent players, Evert’s statement took no time to become headline and prompting Nancy to deny the allegation. However, also being a well-known basketball player, just a denial by Nancy, didn’t seem to make things right. Adding on to the denial, the Brooklyn born player said, “Chris is very shrewd. She courts the press and they fall for it.”
The banter did not end here. Ahead of this, Nancy also asserted that Chris Evert was always celebrated more than Navratilova despite Navratilova being better than Evert in all stats. Agitated by the perception of Navratilova being a newbie, Nancy further admitted that despite all the success, I always considered Navratilova the underdog.
The importance of the 1982 Toyota Championships finals
The race to the top of the rankings has been a long-standing fight in tennis. Similar was the case with the finals of the 1982 Toyota Championships. Being the top two players, Evert and Navratilova ruled over the entire 1982 season. Dissecting the success, Navratilova shined in the first half of the season, while Evert took the lead in the second half. Analyzing further, Evert won the Australian Open and the US Open. On the other hand, Navratilova took control at the French Open and Wimbledon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Being at their peak, it is needless to say that the two had the utmost urge to be at the top in the year-end rankings. Coincidentally, the Toyota Championships came in as the deciding stage for the race. With the urge to end the year as the year-end World No. 1, both players sailed over their opponents with ease.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY- ‘Seems to Get Injured a Lot’ – Martina Navratilova Once Used Serena Williams’ Example to Talk About the ‘Fragmented’ Nature of Women’s Tennis.
Having the stage set, the two entered the Centre court with a clear aim in mind. The match started with Evert taking the first set. However, having all her stars aligned, it was Navratilova who made a comeback to win the match and become the 1982 Year-end World No. 1.
Edited by:
Pritam Priyedarshi