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Chris Evert’s take on the difference in career trajectories between Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu has left tennis fans less than impressed.
In a recent interview, Chris Evert spoke about the rising generation of WTA stars in Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, where the American tennis legend voiced her high hopes for the trio.
She also highlighted that Rybakina’s stoic and rather languid personality sets her apart from other one-time Grand Slam champions such as Emma Raducanu -- who has been struggling with her form since the 2021 US Open title win. Evert suggested that fewer outside commitments due to the Wimbledon champion’s undemanding nature played an important part in her continued success.
"I don't think her personality was one that she took advantage of after winning Wimbledon to the extent that other players have in the past with appearances and magazine covers and endorsements and being on talk shows," Chris Evert said about Elena Rybakina in conversation with Eurosport.
"With her personality, I think that she doesn't demand attention, and that is why you don't see her out there like you saw maybe Emma Raducanu or you saw other players after they have won majors," Chris Evert added.
However, her views did not sit well with tennis fans and they were caught off guard by Chris Evert’s unrequired mention of Emma Raducanu. One fan remarked that such comments were derogatory to both players.
“We can defend one woman without shading another. Elena getting critiqued for being "unemotional" is just as unfair as Emma getting trashed for doing a L'Oreal campaign,” the fan said.
Many fans came to Emma Raducanu’s defense, stating that there was nothing wrong with the young Brit’s approach towards her career.
“I love them both. This take is just low. Emma won a Grand Slam and makes approximately $10 Million a year from endorsements. I believe she's just doing fine,” another fan said.
Here are a few more reactions from fans:
Emma Raducanu crashes out of the Miami Open, Elena Rybakina keeps her Sunshine Double hopes alive
Emma Raducanu faced a tough defeat at the hands of fellow former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in the opening round of the Miami Open 2023. The 20-year-old, who had a convincing run at Indian Wells -- making the fourth round -- went down against Andreescu 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.
Meanwhile, Indian Wells champion Elena Rybakina progressed to the Round of 32 at the Miami Open after a hard-fought three-sets against Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. With the win, the 23-year-old has kept her hopes of winning the Sunshine Double alive. In pursuit of her second consecutive WTA 1000 title, the player will next face former World No. 2 Paula Badosa.
