The name of Chris Evert It is written in letters of gold in the history of tennis. The true Queen of clay, seven-time winner of Roland Garros, left an almost impossible mark to beat, with 125 consecutive victories on this surface. This Tuesday, the American attended Break Point in the previous Roland Garros -tournament that Eurosport broadcasts entirely and exclusively-, to talk about the women’s circuit, the Big 3, the Next Gen and its greatest memory in Paris.
We start with the female box. Iga was strong in Rome. How do you see it to revalidate title in Paris this year?
I think she is one of the girls to take into account throughout the circuit. Last year, when I saw her beat each and every one of her rivals, I thought, ‘But who is this girl and where did she come from? How is it so good in such a short time? ‘ Since then I have followed her. I think it’s still getting better. Learning the tricks and how to slide. She doesn’t have enough experience yet to be considered invincible on clay, but she improves with each tournament.
Who is for you the strongest woman of the moment in the WTA?
Ash Barty seems very fit. He has won a couple of tournaments. Sabalenka has also surprised me. The Belarusian must be one of the favorites, because she is using her power very well and is being more consistent. But for me, Barty is special. I think it can be capable of anything. It has power, delicacy, it can go up to the net, it has good weapons also for defense …
Would it be your favorite for Paris?
I would say Ash, Iga and Sabalenka, in that order as my Top 3 favorites.
What do you think Osaka needs to do to improve on land?
I remember the first time I saw Sharapova play on clay. It felt like a cow walking on ice. Those were his words! (Laughs) But he ended up winning two titles in Paris. She wasn’t gliding well or the fastest, but she got to work. With Naomi, it’s not something that will happen overnight. It may take a couple of years on this surface to learn to glide and be more patient before pulling the trigger.
She is an attacking player, but on this surface, balls always come back, so it’s a challenge for her. I don’t think Osaka will win Roland Garros this year, but in a couple of years, the story may change. The same thing happens to Andreescu. You need to make an 8-10 stroke exchange instead of looking for the winner on the fourth exchange. You need patience on this surface. It is very psychological.
Do you see any covered?
Serena Williams, if she makes it into the second week, she will be a dangerous opponent. I also think that Coco Gauff is playing very well. I would choose these two.
Let’s go to the male now. There is much debate as to who will end up as the GOAT. Who do you think will finish with the most Grand Slams?
Novak is 18 right now. Surely he is the one who ends up with the most. It is good on all surfaces and is a couple of years younger. I think it will all be based on how healthy you can be. After so many years on the circuit, if he can play three or four more years, he will surely win four or five more greats.
Rafa Nadal can surpass Federer for the first time in number of Slams. Can someone stop him this year?
You have a very good chance of doing it. At three sets he is more vulnerable, but at five sets it is very difficult to beat him because he has the stamina and the mentality to be there at every point for three, four or five hours.
Who are your favorites for Roland Garros?
Rafa the first, Djokovic the second, and then the rest.
What do you think of what Federer is going through? Do you think any more big ones will be able to win?
It will be difficult. I think his best chance will be at Wimbledon, where the rallies are shorter. You can upload to the network. It has a very good slice and a very good chip-and-charge, too. There will be your biggest bet. (Thinks) I said the same about Serena. He hasn’t played much lately, and that’s what worries me. Roger has lost instinct. You have lost that anticipation. You lose a little confidence in yourself and you need matches to get back to it. Before Wimbledon, luckily for him, he will be able to play a couple of tournaments and try to get her back.
Who in the Next Gen do you see more prepared to punch on the table at Roland Garros?
Tsitsipas has surprised me, not only with his tennis but with his mental strength. I was also surprised by Zverev, who is serving very well and is dangerous on any surface. Rublev also seems fit. They already know what it is to beat Nadal and Djokovic, but the favorites are still the Spanish and the Serbian, to this day.
Can they ever win a Slam?
It is not a restricted preserve only for the Big 3. They have already been beaten by other players in the Slams. Tsitsipas is the one who has impressed me the most of his generation. I like the aura around him and the mental toughness he displays. I love the progression it is having.
I couldn’t close this interview without asking you about Roland Garros. Here you lived unforgettable moments as a player. What is the most beautiful memory you have in this tournament?
It was in 1985, when I defeated Martina Navratilova in three sets, because nobody was counting on me. Martina was the one who dominated at that time and people said that I would not win another Grand Slam. Beating her, one of the best in history, made her play three more years. It was very exciting and I will always remember that. It is my favorite Grand Slam of the 18 that I won.
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