Chris Evert reigned at the US Open on six occasions between 1975-1978 and 1980-1982 and heading back as ever this year, it is a place that holds special memories for the tennis legend. Speaking to Rolex, she picked out two players to watch in this year's edition as well as recounting her own memories from Flushing Meadows.

Set to begin on August 28, it is always a special time for any American star to be involved and Evert was no exception, with the US Open always seeming to bring out her best tennis. She spoke as a Rolex Testimonee ahead of the tournament.

"Playing at home was always so special due to the New York crowd and Arthur Ashe Stadium. While every year was different, there were new and exciting qualities in every tournament I played there. Winning six times in my home country is something that will always stay with me.  

We’d travel so much throughout the year, so to come back to the United States at that point in the season always made me feel really at home and at ease with my game. Having so many memories on those courts almost gave me an extra push every time I stepped out onto them.

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Who is Evert picking to thrive on home soil?

But what players does she pick to thrive at this year's tournament. Both Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff who have been in some superb form as of late are part of Evert's list.

"It’s great to see so many young Americans doing well. Both Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff, who happen to be fellow Rolex Testimonees, have had some big wins throughout the calendar years and are definitely ones to watch on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Not every player is lucky enough to have a home slam so there’s always something special about a player who is playing in one," she continued.

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What made her reach the top though during her illustrious career, it was the drive in her case always to achieve more and win more at the highest level possible including 18 Grand Slam titles.

"I think partly it’s because of who I am as a person. I always wanted to strive for more, to get better and be better. I wanted to put the hours in on the practice court so that I was able to perform at the highest possible level at any given occasion."

"I also loved to win. I think there are many aspects that kept me motivated during my career but this was definitely one of them. That winning feeling can’t be recreated and as an athlete, it’s one of the best feelings there is."

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What three does she look for now while analyzing players as a commentator now she is no longer on the court. "This is a great question as I think there are many different aspects that can make a player succeed. It also depends on the individual player. Some things can work for some, and not so much for others. Some key ones are definitely discipline, mental strength, and physical fitness. All three are quite different, but without each, I think it can be hard to reach your highest level."