Evert and Navratilova: Tennis Rivals Unite Against Cancer
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, once fierce rivals, have joined forces in their battle against cancer. Discover how their friendship evolved and the impact of their shared struggles in this inspiring story.

A Legendary Rivalry Reimagined
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are not just tennis legends; they are now champions in the fight against cancer. Both women, who dominated the sport with 18 Grand Slam titles each, have faced their own health battles in recent years. Evert was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, while Navratilova is currently battling throat and breast cancer.
Their journey from rivals to close friends is beautifully captured in the new Netflix documentary, Chris & Martina: The Final Set. The film explores how their competitive spirit on the court transformed into a supportive partnership off it. Evert humorously notes, "If I want someone to be in the trenches with me, it's Martina," highlighting the deep trust and understanding they share.
- Key points of their story include:
- Initial rivalry that cooled over time
- Re-establishment of friendship during health crises
- Mutual support and advice in facing cancer