‘You Just Don’t Run Off…’- Chris Evert Once Criticized Former American World No.1 for Running Away From Wimbledon

Monica Seles was one of the greatest tennis players of the 90s. The young girl from Yugoslavia achieved immense success at an early age. However, the former world number 1 made headlines when she decided to skip the Wimbledon Championships. Interestingly, the reason still remains a mystery. Several prominent stars weren’t pleased with her decision, and among them was Chris Evert.

Back then, former American tennis star Chris Evert gave her opinion on the situation, criticizing Seles for skipping one of the most prestigious tournaments on the WTA tour.

Chris Evert reacts to Seles’ withdrawal

Back in 1991, Seles won three of the four major titles and grabbed the top spot in WTA rankings. With the newfound success, the teenager was soaring with popularity. However, her sudden withdrawal from the Wimbledon Championships turned out to be a nightmare for her. The pressure from the media was high, as no official statement was made from her or anyone from her team. Here’s how Chris Evert reacted to the situation.

“I don’t think she blew it by not playing Wimbledon last year because, first of all, I don’t think she would have won it. She didn’t have the grass-court game she does now,” she said.

Further, the American stated the responsibility that comes with the number 1 spot.

Read more: ‘Never Got the Feeling She Was Panicked or P***ed Off’ – When Martina Navratilova Drew Parallels Between Monica Seles and Chris Evert

“Deep down, though, I think she knows she made a mistake. I think she learned from it. I think she realizes now the responsibilities you have as the No. 1 player in the world. It’s OK to default from Wimbledon because of an injury. You just don’t run off without telling anybody what’s wrong,” she added.

Monica Seles shifted to Donald Trump’s mansion

As per reports, Seles suffered injuries from a minor car crash that led to her withdrawal from the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam. However, the ambiguity from her end meant that the media and fans were curious about the details of her injury. As the press surrounded her house to get the reason, Seles decided to shift to another location.

Later, it was revealed that she took refuge in the residence of her friend Donald Trump. It was reported that the tennis star shifted to Trump’s residence with her family in order to avoid the media.

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She took six weeks off from the tour after that incident. Returning to the US Open, the former world number 1 continued her good form to clinch the US Open title after defeating Martina Navratilova in the final.