‘Worry About Breaking Down Emotionally’ – Chris Evert Wants Tennis to Protect Players Like Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka

Emotional meltdowns have always been a part of sports, especially tennis. However, their occurrence has increased in spades recently in tennis. The former tennis ace Chris Evert is no stranger to knowing about the rigors and pressure associated with the game. Therefore, her understanding of the matter holds a lot of value. What changes in the game or within the players are causing such outbursts?

Chris Evert gives her opinion

The 18 times Grand Slam champion Evert addressed the matter and expressed her concerns. While speaking in an interview, she said, “I worry about the behavior of players. I even worry about breaking down emotionally on the court and walking off in the middle of a match. ”

Further, Everts spoke about the recent violent ways adopted by players such as Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev. “I’m not making any judgments on the players, but it’s an area of concern. Why are players losing control and breaking racquets, and putting others in harm’s way?. It’s something that needs to be addressed.” She said.

Zverev was fined heavily and is currently on a one-year probation for his outbursts where he repeatedly hit the chair of the chair umpire in Acapulco. Whereas, Kyrgios almost hit the ball boy when he fiercely threw his racquet in discontent after the conclusion of his match against Rafael Nadal in Indian Wells.

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There are also players who struggle to express themselves and suffer in silence, such as the former World No.1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka. Evert wants to take initiatives to protect them as well.

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No player wants to let their dark emotions take over them or even exist in the first place. However, a game as demanding as tennis tests one’s mental strength and stability in varied parameters. Thereby, having a support system is essential for a player for their own good as well as for betterment of their game.

Some players have taken action on the same by appointing sports psychologists such as Iga Swiatek, the current world no.1. Chris Evert appreciated such players by saying, “I noticed that now a lot of the women tennis players have sports psychologists. And have therapists and that’s a growing occurrence and I think it’s great because they’re addressing their issues and it’s not easy.”

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However, many ATP players, including former World no.1 Andy Murray, have also taken such steps. This might be a slow start, but we wish players accept external help when needed in order to safeguard their mental wellbeing.