ESPN analyst and six-time U.S. Open champion Chris Evert talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about last year’s controversial final, Serena Williams’ chances this year and taking things slow with Coco Gauff.

Q: Is this a different Madison Keys this year after her win at Cincinnati?

A: In the past, Madison has relied so much on her power that she really hasn’t developed that Plan B when things are not going well. She’s changed her mindset a little bit, and she’s moving so well right now. When she’s running wide for shots, she does not have to go for outright winners that are very high risk. She can get back in position for the next shot. That’s really changed her perspective of how she needs to play.

Q: What were your memories from last year’s final?

A: The villain was the grayness of the rules. The rules in tennis are so much about interpretation, but it’s not black and white. I was down on the court because I was supposed to present the trophy, and I said I never want to see that in tennis again. The boos were shaking the stadium. I looked over to my right, and Naomi is sobbing in what should be the greatest moment in her life. It wasn’t a good representation of the sport of tennis. It’s kind of time to forget about it, though, and move on.

A: To me, she looked fitter, she was moving better and that serve was on in Toronto. With the inspiration and determination to get to 24 (Grand Slams), you still have to make her the favorite. I don’t say that with a lot of conviction because she has to be on top of her game for seven matches in a row, and that’s a tougher feat when you get older. You don’t always wake up raring to go when you’ve been playing 25 years on tour. But Serena at her best is still better than anyone else.

Q: What’s the best way for Coco Gauff to develop?

A: Gradually. I don’t know if it’d be necessarily great for her to win the Open. If she continues to play the way she is, have some big wins, still develop her game and be a normal 15-year-old with some semblance of privacy, then that’d be the most successful picture of her. … There’s no doubt there is Grand Slam potential in her, after watching her at Wimbledon. But I am very cautious because she is so young and so many things can happen between 15 and 20 (years old), mentally, physically, emotionally.

Q: Is Nick Kyrgios good or bad for tennis?

A: I like Nick Kyrgios off the court very much. I have seen the way he is with kids and charities. He is very giving and generous with people. On the court, I see another side to him and he loses it. I don’t want to judge him, but sportsmanship is an important part of tennis. I don’t like to see that side of him at all. There’s two different Nicks: the one we love and the one we just scratch our heads. We hope that he can get his emotions in check and be the great tennis player that he is without the shenanigans.