"In our day it wasn't a big business" - Chris Evert explains why camaraderie between players on WTA Tour is not possible nowadays

Chris Evert recently laid bare the difference in camaraderie between the '80s women's tennis players and the current crop of WTA players. Evert was one of the best players in the '80s and '90s, amassing 18 Grand Slam titles.

Evert and Martina Navratilova were recently interviewed by noted journalist Christiane Amanpour. During the interview, the former discussed the noticeable contrast in camaraderie among players on the WTA tour today compared to their era.

Evert said the biggest difference is that women's tennis was not as big a business in the '80s and '90s as it has become today. The 69-year-old also revealed that the WTA stars used to travel together, which helped maintain the friendship.

"I mean, in our day it wasn’t a big business and there was not a lot of prize money and women’s tennis was just forming so we all had camaraderie and we traveled together like a pack," Evert said. (2:30 onwards)

Juxtaposing it to today's day and age, she said that women's tennis has become a "big business," boasting millions in endorsement deals and appearance fees, in addition to prize money.

"Now it’s big business. You are talking millions and millions and millions of dollars in prize money, endorsements, appearances," she said.

The American also highlighted the shift in team dynamics, noting that players now travel with extensive support teams, including coaches, physiotherapists, hitting partners, and even psychologists.

"These teams are constructed of five or six people now with physio and the hitting partner and coach and psychologist, it’s just so different. Everyone really sticks to themselves now, it can’t be done now, no," she added.

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Chris Evert echoes Iga Swiatek's concerns about hectic tennis schedule

(L-R) Chris Evert, Iga Swiatek and Martina Navratilova at French Open 2024 (Image via Getty)

Chris Evert recently expressed her support for Iga Swiatek's concerns about the demanding tennis calendar. In a post-match interview at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, Swiatek highlighted the numerous tournaments that have taken place this season, emphasizing the strain it puts on players.

"So what can I say I've been kind of an advocate, saying that well, we shouldn't be pushing and pushing for us to play more. Obviously, it's not our decision, but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season. I love playing all these places but it's pretty exhausting," Swiatek said.

Evert recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to state that she understands the World No. 1's point of view. The American said it was tougher for players who go deep in tournaments, which is the case for Swiatek.

"I certainly can understand @iga_swiatek concern about playing too many tournaments, especially when you go deep in tournaments every week. Adding in the @Olympics and much more depth in the game, it’s an important topic," Evert wrote.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion also noted that the depth of the WTA Tour has significantly increased since the 1980s, requiring players to consistently perform at their peak level throughout every round of competition.

"What people don't understand is there is SO much more depth than the 80's! I played then!! The players now have to bring their "A" game in the first round; we didn't!," she added.

The WTA as well as the ATP tour will now head to the USA for the final Grand Slam of the season, the US Open.