On her academy

Evert still hits the court almost daily at her tennis academy in Boca Raton, Florida. Madison Keys, who reached the US Open final last year, and Lauren Davis, who had triple-match point on top-ranked Simona Halep at the Australian Open, came through her academy.

Evert is proud that "100 percent of the kids" who don't turn pro earn a college tennis scholarship.

"That's like winning Wimbledon for these kids," she said. "That's a wonderful goal. It's really just fun to mentor these kids and try to help them reach their goals and their dreams."

On Roger and Venus

At 36, Federer recently won the Australian Open and regained the No 1 ranking. Evert marvels at his "frame of mind" and relatively injury-free career.

"He's not a grinder like (Rafa) Nadal. Roger wins a lot of free points off his serve, he has shorter rallies, he glides to the ball, he doesn't muscle anything. It's all about timing and finesse with him.

"He's so endearing. When he cried (after the win), I think the whole world cried along with him.

"He shows his emotion ... that's why people love him so much."

Evert isn't concerned 37-year-old Venus Williams joined several American women making early exits at the Australian Open.

"She had a big year last year－got to the finals of two majors, got to the WTA Finals. You can understand why maybe her body didn't recover as quickly.

"She can still have a great year."

AP