“She Doesn’t Demand Attention” – Chris Evert Takes a Cheeky Dig at Emma Raducanu While Comparing Her With Elena Rybakina
Everyone who is a tennis fan is cognizant of the big 3 of the ATP Tour. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have had careers that are highly respected by all. The WTA, on the other hand, has not seen a rivalry that has gone as intense as the one between the three in decades. However, young players in the WTA circuit are stepping up now. Particularly, the trio of Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Aryna Sabalenka have shown their prowess on the court in the past couple of years.
Considering their incredible performances on the circuit in recent years, the legendary Chris Evert even believes that the younglings could create just as much noise as the big three of the ATP. But she didn’t pass her comments without throwing some shade on Emma Raducanu.
Chris Evert on why Swiatek, Rybakina, and Sabalenka are the future
In an interview with Eurosport, Chris Evert talked about how she is excited about the future of the WTA. The ‘Ice Maiden’ said that the prospect of having three young players dominate the circuit was quite exciting while adding that after Serena Williams retired, some were worried about the future of women’s tennis.
Evert especially elaborated on Rybakina, praising her demeanor and her priorities. She said that Rybakina didn’t take advantage after winning the Wimbledon to do magazine covers and endorsements.
“I don’t think her personality was one that she took advantage of after winning Wimbledon to the extent that other players have in the past with appearances and magazine covers and endorsements and being on talk shows.”
The 18-time Grand Slam champion felt that she would be remiss if she didn’t explain her point further. “I think she lives a very quiet life and she is very happy that way. She doesn’t want to get out of her bubble. That’s her prerogative.”
As per her, Rybakina doesn’t have a histrionic personality. This becomes the reason she is rarely seen in the general media, unlike Emma Raducanu. “With her personality, I think that she doesn’t demand attention, and that is why you don’t see her out there like you saw maybe Emma Raducanu or you saw other players after they have won majors.”
Emma Raducanu has won a major herself. But her current form does not reflect that of a Grand Slam champion. What do you think of Chris Evert’s comment? Was it unfair or justified? Tell us in the comments.
