Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert Team Up Against Cancer After Tennis Rivalry

**Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, the greatest rivals in women’s tennis, have become unlikely allies in the fight against cancer.** Their Netflix documentary *Chris & Martina: The Final Set* details how the 18-time Grand Slam champions-Evert diagnosed in 2021, Navratilova in 2022-leaned on each other through treatment, only for Evert to reveal a recurrence last week.

Their first match in 1973, when Evert beat Navratilova at age 18, set the stage. Navratilova, then 16, impressed Evert with her power and speed. **"She had so much talent,"** Evert recalled. **"Her hands were quick, her first serve big, her forehand unstoppable."** Two years later, Navratilova defected to the U.S. after losing a U.S. Open semifinal to Evert, sparking a rivalry that defined an era.

Navratilova called Evert **"the epitome of cool"**-a rivalry built on mutual respect. When both faced cancer, their bond deepened. **"We have such a level of trust,"** Navratilova said. **"No ulterior motive, no playing games."** Evert’s ovarian cancer recurrence, disclosed late last week, underscores their shared fight. Navratilova’s throat and breast cancer treatment left her **"literally sitting on a yoga mat for seven weeks"**-too weak even for basic stretches.

Their friendship isn’t performative. Evert jokes, **"I can’t get away from her-we had a 15-year career, then cancer at the same time."** Navratilova’s team sent baked bread; Evert gifted jewelry. **"We don’t need daily calls,"** Evert said. **"We just know we’re there."** Their documentary, *The Final Set*, captures this raw honesty-no grand gestures, just two legends fighting side by side.

Navratilova remains in remission, but Evert’s recurrence adds urgency. **"My treatment was harder physically,"** Navratilova admitted. **"Chris’s was more life-threatening."** Their bond, forged on courts and now in hospitals, proves that even legends need allies. The documentary’s release-timed with Evert’s latest diagnosis-highlights how their story transcends tennis.