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Friday, March 29, 2024

Chris Evert shares thoughts on Serena Williams’ upcoming retirement

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Chris Evert says Serena Williams is “not vintage Serena” anymore but still expects the interest in the American’s matches to be off the charts at the US Open. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, is retiring from professional tennis at the US Open.

Evert acknowledged that Williams is “the greatest player of this generation” and she believes “every tennis fan” will want a ticket for the American’s matches. “She has been the greatest player of this generation,” Evert told Women’s Wait Daily.

“It’s going to be crazy. Every fan will want a ticket to watch Serena, thinking it’s her last match. She is not vintage Serena, she is 40 years old and starting to lose to players she used to beat. I don’t know how long she will last in the tournament, so it will be a crazy first week of people trying to get their last glimpse”.

Evert on Williams retiring

Evert, a former 18-time Grand Slam champion, turned pro in 1972 and retired in 1982. When asked to compare the circumstances of her and Williams’ upcoming retirement, Evert noted every player has his reasons for why he is ending career.

“Everyone retires for a different reason. Sometimes your body gives out, sometimes you are mentally drained. I retired because I was mentally drained. When people talk about Serena and Roger [Federer] and ask, ‘When are they going to retire?’ Unless you have been there, you have no idea.

It’s about what’s in your gut, how you are feeling. You just have to milk it as long as you can, because once it’s over, it’s over and done — you are not going to be in that world anymore and have to create a different life for yourself.

Serena is going toward a family and business life — there are a lot of wonderful opportunities down the road for her,” Evert said.

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