Former greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova used to be the fiercest of rivals. They have played 80 matches against each other. Although Navratilova ended with a 43-37 advantage, Evert was not too far behind. Even though they were arch-rivals, the American duo shares a close bond. From their playing days to the present, their friendship has only flourished. And this clearly was visible when Evert was diagnosed with Cancer.

Evert recently overcame stage 1 ovarian cancer. While going through her chemo sessions, Navratilova was a constant support to her old friend. Notably, Navratilova herself is a cancer survivor. Back in 2010, she overcame breast cancer. She also attempted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after winning her battle against the deadly disease.

Interestingly, she also invited Evert to join her on the adventurous trek.

Navratilova invited Evert to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

Back in 2010, not long after winning her battle against cancer, Navratilova decided to climb the highest peak in Africa. In an interview, Evert revealed she invited her as well. However, the 67-year-old declined the request.

 “She invited me to climb Kilimanjaro [in Tanzania]with her in December and I said, ‘What, are you nuts?’ And she goes, ‘Why not?’ And I go, Martina, I’ve got three kids, I don’t have time to train. Then she says, ‘You don’t have to train, you’re in great shape.’ I said, Martina, it’s what, 16,000 feet, I’m bad at altitude?” She said.

Read more: ‘My Sister’s Death Saved My Life’ – Chris Evert Opens Up Like Never Before About Her Brave Fight Against Cancer

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Navratilova went forward and attempted it, but unfortunately, she had to return mid-way when her condition worsened.

The legendary career of Chris Evert

Chris Evert turned pro in 1972 and rose through the ranks in no time. In her illustrious career, she has a stunning 89.97% winning percentage. She won 157 singles titles and 37 doubles titles.

She had an incredible 260-week stay on the pinnacle of WTA rankings. Also, she has won at least 1 Grand Slam each year for a record 13 years.

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With 18 Grand Slam titles to her name, Evert will go down as a legend of the sport. The former tennis legend was deservedly inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 1995.