‘Let’s Just Be Blunt’ – Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert Detailed Their Sacrifices Back in the Day to Keep Women’s Tennis Afloat

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are among the initial players who brought women’s tennis to light. They both executed a rivalry that still stands tall in both men’s and women’s categories. However, with time, the participation of female athletes in sports has increased. Therefore, the level of skills WTA offers today is far more refined than in their time.

Hence, one can argue that players these days face much more obstacles than in the 80s and 90s. Evert and Navratilova have also agreed upon the factuality of the same. Here’s what they believe has changed over time.

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert: the pillars of WTA
In a 2010 interview, the former world no.1s shared their thoughts about the talent pool of this generation. They spoke about the matter of not having consistent top players. Evert addressed how they had to play often to promote and support the women’s tour, which was still pretty fresh. “Either Martina or I had to be in every single tournament. Let’s just be blunt about it. When Peachy Kellmeyer did our schedule, it was like Martina, Chris figure it out.”

Further, according to the Americans, the pool of talent was shallow back then. It helped high-caliber players get past the initial round very easily. Thus making the tours less physically punishing.

While Martina confessed her all-court style of playing was the reason for her participation in several tournaments of a season. As she needed constant buffing to perform well in majors.

Both the 18 times Grand Slams champions have claimed over 10 titles in a season. Navratilova has won 10 or more titles in nine different seasons and 16 in 1983. Whereas Evert won 10 or more six times with 16 in 1974 and 1975.

Their rivalry
The legends have locked horns a total of 80 times out of which Navratilova has a lead of 43-37. However, she failed to out-muscle Evert in the clay. She still trails by 3-11 in clay-based tussles.

While the seven-time French Open champion was a strong baseline with a poker face, the Czech American believed in expressing herself on the court and played aggressively with attacking serve and volley games. They last met for a finals clash in 1988 at Chicago. In these nine times the Wimbledon champion outclassed Evert in straight sets of 6-2, 6-2.