“I wanted roots and he wanted wings” – When Chris Evert talked about her divorce with ex-husband Greg Norman

Chris Evert and Greg Norman’s relationship captured the public’s attention from the start, yet their marriage ended in divorce just 15 months after it began. Evert later explained their separation, saying, “I wanted roots, and he wanted wings.” Their differences became apparent as they settled into married life, with Evert desiring stability and family time, while Norman, a successful golfer and businessman, thrived on a busy, adventurous lifestyle.

Their conflicting priorities—she craving a quiet, family-centered existence and he relishing travel and professional commitments—strained the relationship.

The couple’s story was further complicated by the public scrutiny they faced and their respective pasts. Both had left long-term marriages for their relationship: Evert was previously married to Olympic skier Andy Mill, and Norman to Laura Andrassy, his wife of 25 years. Their whirlwind romance brought high expectations, and initially, they appeared inseparable, frequently seen at each other’s sports events and openly expressing affection.

Norman even made adjustments to their home, such as adding tennis courts to accommodate Evert’s passions, hoping to make their life together harmonious.

Despite these efforts, tensions surfaced quickly. Evert later reflected that she sought professional counseling to process the emotional impact of their divorce, stating that her desire for “roots” wasn’t compatible with Norman’s need for freedom and movement. Over time, Evert reconnected with her three sons and her former husband, Andy Mill. The two were able to rebuild a friendship and co-parent their children amicably, providing stability that had been temporarily disrupted by her marriage to Norman.

The split left lingering hurt among their former spouses, as both Evert’s and Norman’s previous marriages had lasted nearly two decades. Reflecting on the breakup, Evert admitted that the marriage’s collapse was deeply disappointing but ultimately reaffirmed her values of family and stability, helping her move forward with clarity about the life she wanted.