Fail Better with David Duchovny Fail Again: Chris Evert Hates To Lose More Than She Loves To Win
Jan 13, 2026
Chris Evert, a former world No. 1 tennis player and 18-time Grand Slam champion, shares her journey from teenage phenom to tennis legend. She discusses the emotional toll of losses and her struggles with public scrutiny, revealing fascinating insights about her rivalries, particularly with Martina Navratilova. Evert reflects on her mental resilience, the importance of spirituality post-retirement, and how her battle with cancer reshaped her perspective on life. Her stories of competition, identity, and personal growth make for an engaging conversation.
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Loss Fueled Identity And Pressure
- Chris Evert hated losing more than she loved winning, which fueled her intense competitiveness and shaped her identity.
- Being thrust into public spotlight as a teenager amplified losses into personal crises and long-lasting pressure.
Three Days In A Hotel After Wimbledon
- After losing to Virginia Wade at Wimbledon Chris stayed in her hotel room for three days, ordering room service and feeling depressed.
- She describes those isolated days as her way of processing defeat during her career's toughest moments.
Young Fame Creates A Constricting Image
- Early fame boxed Chris Evert into an image that limited her freedom to experiment and develop publicly.
- Shyness, cautious parents, and branding pressures kept her from taking risks off-court.