“I worry about the behaviour of players,” Tennis legend Chris Evert voices her opinion on player’s mental health
Follow Us
Alexander Zverev, Chris Evert and Nick Kyrgios
After a succession of recent contentious on-court outbursts, Chris Evert expressed her concern about players ‘losing control.’
Nick Kyrgios received a fine of $US 60,000 ($80,000) for a series of enraged outbursts at the Indian Wells and Miami Open competitions. Also, following a doubles loss, German Alexander Zverev received an omission from a tournament in Acapulco in February. He repeatedly bashed his racquet against the umpire’s chair.
“There’s something emotional going on in the tennis”- Chris Evert
In view of the above-mentioned incidents, the 18-times Grand Slam champion stated that players’ emotional toll could be a factor, and emphasised the necessity for increased discourse about tennis’ cognitive side. “I don’t know any other sport where the athlete abuses the official as much as tennis,” she said. “I worry about the behaviour of players and I even worry about breaking down emotionally on the court and walking off in the middle of a match and I worry about the emotional and mental relapses or breakdowns that these players are having.”
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, stunned the world in 2021 by withdrawing from the French Open and opening out about her grief. In view of this, Chris Evert stated, “Why are they breaking down on the court emotionally? It’s something that needs to be addressed. It’s something that needs to be talked about. Tennis is a sport and it’s not life. I mean even since I’ve had some health issues, I realize it’s a sport. It should be viewed with a different perspective.”
Chris Evert is sensitive to the condition of today’s players and has urged for a better understanding of the psychological challenges they encounter. “I noticed that now a lot of the women tennis players have sports psychologists. And have therapists and that’s a growing occurrence and I think it’s great because they’re addressing their issues and it’s not easy. It’s not easy living the life of a top player.”
“There are a lot of pressures that people have no idea that you face. Your identity starts to melt in with winning or losing. You’re either a winner that day or you’re a loser that day to the whole world. So there’s something emotional going on in the tennis world that needs to be addressed,” the ‘Ice Maiden’ said whilst concluding.
Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and other tennis players receive a warning over their ‘aggressive behaviour’
Tennis officials will dish out stricter punishments for on-court misconduct. The ATP warned players in an internal note on Monday, as the men’s governing body also simultaneously reviews its guidelines to clamp down on repeat offenders.
As per Reuters, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said in a note, “Effective immediately and as we head into the clay-court swing. The ATP officiating team has been directed to take a stricter stance in judging violations of the Code of Conduct.”
“Additionally, we are also undertaking a review of the Code, as well as the disciplinary processes to ensure that it provides appropriate and up-to-date penalties for serious violations and repeat offenders. We all have a role to play to uphold the reputation and integrity of our sport. The first three months of the season have seen an unusual frequency of high-profile incidents Involving unsportsmanlike conduct,” Gaudenzi, a former Italian professional player, added.
Stay Updated!
Pritha Ghosh
(414 Articles Published)