‘You Have To Be Self-Absorbed’- When Chris Evert Talked About the Brutally Selfish Nature of Tennis and Its Impact on Relationships

Chris Evert made a name for herself with her stoic and composed demeanor both on and off the court. The player’s focus could not dwindle, she stayed to her strong baseline game and brought down her opponent in strong and swift moves. The player achieved fame in tennis when it was predominantly a men’s sport.

Being an individual sport and focusing on oneself, however, did not fare well with the topic of marriage with Chris Evert. She talked about it in an old interview and how it hindered a lasting relationship.

Chris Evert attributed the individualism of sport affecting her married life

Chris Evert talked about the values of self-absorption and individualism that tennis had taught her. All these values helped her become an 18-time grand slam champion. She set a bar for the upcoming tennis players with her dedication and passion for the sport. However, these attributes did not help her in sustaining a healthy marriage.

Evert looked back upon the reasons and said, “Relationships are give-and-take, and when you’re a tennis player, you’re certainly not giving.” She talked about the passion it needs to excel in the sport. She said, “You have to be self-absorbed. It has to be about you.” 

Evert talked about ways to deal with such issues in marriage

Her remedy for the brooding selfish nature and how it can be dealt with communication with one’s partner. She said, “If you feel you’re starting to grow apart, take care of it then. Don’t wait. Be proactive and communicate”.

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She advised taking whatever means the pair can take, be it talking amongst themselves or seeking a therapist. Realizing the loss she had suffered, she said, “Because you can still get it back in the early stages, but you can’t in the latter stages.”

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Evert after her divorce from Andy Mill, her husband of 18 years married Greg Norman. Unfortunately, their marriage lasted only 15 months.

Evert now lives a solitary, happy life. She stays in touch with her sport and is a tennis analyst with ESPN. Along with that, she likes to dedicate her time to her tennis academy as well.