ESPN analyst and 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert talks Serena Williams, Roger Federer and more U.S. Open with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: How surprising is it that Serena hasn’t won a major yet this year?
A: I am very surprised. I hold her in high esteem and always think she’s going to win one or two a year. She’s even struggled on the hard courts, but she kept working and finally everything came together in her last final against Ana Ivanovic. It’s good timing for her if she can bring that level of play into the U.S. Open. That’s the best-case scenario for her. I think losing at the French and Wimbledon, if anything, has made her more determined heading into the U.S. Open.
Q: How much credit goes to the other players?
A: Well, Serena has shown some vulnerability and a lack of confidence in some of her matches. And I think the other players have become more confident and there’s not the intimidation factor and the aura of invincibility around Serena anymore. Those players would have folded in the past when Serena started playing better, but there’s a new attitude with the players now.
Q: Who are the biggest threats to her at Flushing Meadows?
A: Simona Halep. Ivanovic is because she’s gone three sets three times with her this year. (Maria) Sharapova is, even though she’s not playing her best yet, she’s a fighter. If Eugenie Bouchard gets her form back from earlier in the summer, then she becomes one.
Q: Is Federer or Novak Djokovic the favorite on the men’s side?
A: This is a great opportunity for Roger, it really is. There’s no Rafael Nadal, and it’s tough to tell with Novak. The guy won Wimbledon and he got married, and he’s about to have a baby, and he has a lot going on. I don’t know if he’s 100 percent, and if that’s the case this is Federer’s U.S. Open. It’s a good time for Federer to win his 18th (grand slam).
Q: Is he the one that the former players root for the most?
A: Whenever we go off air or something, I say, “Raise your hand if you are a Roger Federer fan right now.” This guy is the most beloved champion that we’ve ever seen — people love him. And people are pulling for him. Everybody pulls for you at the end of your career anyway. They don’t want to see you go. That’s what he’s going through right now.