Martina Navratilova was so much stronger from the rest of us: Tracy Austin reflects on the challenges of competing against the American
Tracy Austin recently reflected on the challenges players faced in competing against American tennis legend Martina Navratilova.
The Tennis Channel discussed Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert's rivalry for the WTA 50th Anniversary series. The interview featured Navratilova, Evert, Rosie Casals, Tracy Austin and more.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Austin discussed in-depth how Navratilova's strength was difficult to match and her iconic serve and volley was difficult to get past.
"The physicality of playing Martina was the biggest challenge because at the time she was so much stronger than the rest of us and she could smother you with her serve and volley technique," Austin stated.
Tracy Austin also reflected on how hard Martina Navratilova worked out in the gym and made herself stronger by the day, which also pushed Evert to spend more time in the gym.
"Chrissy knew that Martina by upping the ante and getting so strong and so lean and fit that she needed to spend more time in the gym, that she needed to get stronger" Austin added.
The American also reflected on how Navratilova improved her backhand in order to be at par with Evert's backhand, showcasing how the rivals pushed each other to be better.
"Martina knew that Chrissy could pinpoint her backhand deep and Martina improved her backhand, her slice became more threatening, she could hit over her backhand by the end of her career really well, so I think that's normal in tennis. Every five years everyone has to keep improving or you'll fall behind," she added.
Chris Evert discusses her bond with Martina Navratilova despite historic rivalry
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova played against each other 80 times, with Navratilova leading the head-to-head at 43-37.
Evert further discussed her rivalry with Navratilova and the bond they shared despite being fierce competitors.
Evert stated how playing fellow American only added to her legacy and that the pair have remained friends even in retirement, claiming they are closer than they were before.
"There was a real camaraderie there when you're in your late 20's and early 30's. I think you realise you become secure enough with yourself that it's not affecting your individual legacy, if anything it's adding to it and it's a legacy in itself. Once I had gotten to that point we had formed a great friendship and even to this day we're even closer than we were when we were competing" Evert mentioned.
Navratilova also suggested that she was proud to be the other half of the partnership.