“The depth in women’s tennis currently is incredible,” Chris Evert on future stars of tennis after Serena Williams


When it comes to women’s tennis, there are not many players who can match up to the titles and fame achieved by Serena Williams, 23 time Grandslam champion. She has been the pinnacle of women’s tennis for the past 2 decades. However, it looks as if the American’s best days are behind her as she has failed to win a single major after her Australian Open title in 2017.
Women’s tennis has become unpredictable in the past few years with each Grandslam revealing a new youngster who is primed to achieve big things. Bianca Andrescu won the US Open 2019 against all odds, same was the case with Sofia Kenin (Australian Open 2020 champion) and Iga Swiatek who claimed the French Open 2020 title.
The question regarding who will be the next big thing in women’s tennis after Serena Williams is still debated by many. Chris Evert in a Eurosport event, has identified three stars who could fill Serena’s shoes in the future- Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek.
Chris Evert surprised by Iga Swiatek’s performance at the French Open

Chris Evert listed Iga Swiatek as one of the names to fill Serena’s shoes in the future and achieve tremendous success. However, Evert, 18 time Grandslam champion herself admitted to being surprised after Iga Swiatek won the French open in a dominating fashion last month. Swiatek did not drop a single set en route her maiden Grandslam title and also humbled the top seed, Simona Halep in the 4th round. “I didn’t really notice Swiatek last year as much. She’s got tremendous potential. No doubt about that,” said Evert.

Chris Evert also mentioned that she had regarded Naomi Osaka as a future star a couple of years backs. Evert was absolutely correct in her prediction as Osaka has won 3 Grandslam titles in the past 2 years and is destined for may more. “When I was asked to pick out my future star a couple of years ago, I went for Naomi,” remarked Evert.
Chris Evert optimistic about Coco Gauff’s future

A lot was expected of Coco Gauff after a breakthrough year in 2019. However, Gauff has not had the best 2020 season. She started off the year well defeating Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open, but it went downhill from there. Chris Evert is still optimistic about the 16 year old’s future and said she has several things to work on.
I don’t know what’s going on with her service. I mean I know what’s going on with her service, I know she’s doing technically wrong and I think that she’s in her sophomore year on the tour,” Evert said of Gauff.“I think things are a lot different now than they were last year when she could play with a lot of freedom and no pressure,” Evert added.Now we can tell she’s nervous out there, she’s double-faulting, 16 or 17 times a match. But I still think that in two years’ time, it’s very possible she will win a Grand Slam,” Evert said.
Evert also pointed out to the depth in women’s tennis at the moment with several young players making a mark at the big stage.“I’m a believer in her, her ability and her mindset right now. In saying that, there are so many players, there are so many depths right now that’s incredible, and so many young players are coming up,” Evert said.
Nirmit Mehta
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