“When you were diagnosed it terrified me, and then I supported you, and then, a year later, I get it, and you supported me,” that’s how the WTA legend Martina Navratilova summed up her adorable friendship story with Chris Evert. The two tennis stars battled cancer and therefore learned how their bond wasn’t just limited to good times. But what does Evert think about this adorable friendship formed on the tennis courts, lasting ever after retirement? Her response is enough to turn fans emotional.
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova shared an incredible rivalry during their playing days. They first met at the Akron Tennis Open in 1973. This marked the beginning of one of the most legendary rivalries in tennis history. They faced each other 80 times, including 60 finals. Their battles included classic matches like the 1978 Wimbledon final, the 1981 Australian Open final, and the 1985 French Open final, which Evert considers her favorite victory over Navratilova. From 1973 to 1988, they pushed each other to the limit, delivering some of the sport’s most memorable moments.
In an interview with We Are Tennis, Evert expressed gratitude for having Navratilova by her side during the difficult time, saying, “If I wanted to be in the trenches with anyone, it would be Martina.” She added that they bonded over their shared experience, going through cancer treatment together, and often asked each other, “How is this happening?”
Tennis icons Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova met as teenagers, forged one of the greatest rivalries in sports and then became close friends.
After 50 years, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova understand each other like no one else can. When cancer came, they both knew where… pic.twitter.com/F7zpeBoSDj
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 2, 2023
Despite the multiple showdowns against Navratilova, Evert has often admitted that she doesn’t remember their first meeting. On the other hand, Navratilova remembers it clearly. Speaking at the GNP Seguros WTA Finals Cancun last year, she said, “I remember better than Chris I think, because for her I was just some youngster walking by. But she did say hello. But she had no idea who I was.” Their rivalry grew into one of the most significant ones in tennis, and together, they won a combined 36 Grand Slam titles.
Over the years though, the rivalry turned into mutual respect and deep friendship. Their journey, from fierce competitors to close friends who supported each other through cancer, still stands as a perfect example of bonding among rivals.
Chris Evert thinks Martina Navratilova is ‘luckier’ despite the fight against terrible illness
Ralph Lauren’s event to raise awareness about the fight against cancer brought together tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The two had a brief conversation, during which Evert spoke about their battles with cancer. She pointed out that Navratilova was “luckier” than her. “You’re luckier than I am cuz I still have to go every 3 weeks and get a CAT scan you know now that it’s come back,” Evert said.
Despite the struggles, Evert revealed she remained positive right through her treatment. “Then I think there are millions of people around the world going through this and I never thought why me I thought why not me you know why not you know we’re no different just because we’re tennis champions, we’re still going to deal with obstacles that come our way,” she added.
Evert’s fight against cancer is personal, as her sister, Jeanne Evert, passed away from ovarian cancer in 2020. Aware of her family history, Evert underwent early testing, which led to her diagnosis. After going through chemotherapy, she was declared cancer-free in July this year. However, she still faces ongoing health checkups and the uncertainty that comes with the disease. She spoke about how she has learned to cope with the situation. “I think what I learned to do is surrender you know there’s certain things in life you can control there’s certain things in life that you just can’t fight.”
Ralph Lauren’s event highlighted the importance of raising awareness and supporting those affected by cancer. Both Evert and Navratilova have been open about their battles, using their platforms to encourage others to prioritize their health. Their conversation at the event emerged as a powerful moment, making it clear that even the greatest athletes are not immune to life’s challenges.
The post Chris Evert Honors a Lifelong Bond, Professes Her Love for the One She’d Be in the Trenches With appeared first on EssentiallySports.
