In the given quote, Chris Evert describes her younger self as a robot when it comes to playing tennis. This means that she was highly disciplined and mechanical in her approach to the game. Just like winding up a toy robot before setting it in motion, people would expect her to perform consistently well on the court once she got started.
Beyond its literal interpretation, this quote delves into Evert's personal journey from being a rigid competitor to evolving into a more nuanced player. It suggests that while she was incredibly focused and methodical early in her career, she eventually developed a deeper understanding of the game and adapted her style accordingly. The robotic nature of her play likely contributed to her success but also implied a certain rigidity or lack of flexibility that might have been limiting. By acknowledging this aspect of herself, Evert reveals a reflective mindset about growth and change in her sport.
Chris Evert is an iconic figure in women's tennis, known for her precision and consistency on the court during her career from the 1970s through to the early 2000s. Her straightforward statement about being like a "wound-up robot" reflects not only her technical prowess but also the discipline that characterized much of her approach to competitive sports.