Martina Navratilova was just 12 when she first discovered Chris Evert’s name in the glossy pages of World Tennis Magazine. Destiny stirred early, by 1973, in Fort Lauderdale, a young Martina approached her idol, only to find Evert deep in a backgammon match, unaware of the fire about to enter her world. And now, five decades later, when the 18-time Slam champion celebrates her special day, that eternal bond burns bright again as Chris Evert pens an emotional tribute to her greatest rival and dearest friend.

Recently, Chris Evert lit up social media with a post that spoke volumes of love, time, and shared history. What began as a fleeting hello soon ignited one of sport’s fiercest rivalries: two forces pushing each other to greatness, then standing shoulder to shoulder through life’s toughest battles. Standing beside her dearest friend Martina Navratilova, Evert wrote, “Happy Birthday to my former rival, current great friend @martinanavratilova …Wishing you lots of joy and love in your life going forward, because with a heart as big as yours, you deserve it!❤️🙏😇”

Even Martina responded to the post with four heartfelt emojis. As Navratilova celebrated her 69th birthday, that single message reflected a bond forged not just in championships and rivalries, but in a lifetime of respect and affection. For years now, their birthday wishes have become a tender ritual, each one a reminder of how far they’ve come from those fierce, sweat-soaked battles on court. Just last December, when Chris Evert turned 70, the tennis world paused to celebrate one of its greatest champions, and Martina Navratilova made sure her voice was among the loudest. 

On X, she penned a heartfelt note that perfectly captured their story: “Happy 70th today to my friend, nemesis, partner and, most of all an amazing, strong, resilient and compassionate woman, champion of champions! Lots of love, m. Here is looking at you, kid :)”

That message wasn’t just a wish; it was a love letter from one half of the greatest rivalry tennis has ever known. Between 1973 and 1988, they faced off an astonishing 80 times, 60 of which were finals.

Their rivalry defined an era, shaping women’s tennis into the spectacle of excellence it is today. Navratilova eventually led the head-to-head 43–37, sealing their final duel in Chicago in 1988 with a commanding 6–2, 6–2 victory. 

Yet, even in the fiercest of battles, their story was never about who won or lost—it was about how each made the other better.

Now, decades later, their connection remains beautifully unbroken. On the Served with Andy Roddick podcast in August, Navratilova revealed the softer rhythm of their friendship today. “We call here and there, we text. Usually, we are sending each other tips on what shows to watch on Netflix!” she laughed, peeling back the curtain on a friendship that has evolved from competition to comfort.

But then, she turned reflective, adding: “But we connected and now we are doing a documentary which will hopefully be out early next year on our relationship and rivalry. But it had all of those aspects. The respect, the like, the hate, the rivalry. But most of all, respect that never went away and empathy. I think we were very empathetic to the other.” It was a raw truth of two women who once fought for every inch on court, now standing shoulder to shoulder, united by shared scars and strength.

And as Navratilova celebrates this special day, the journey feels almost poetic. From rivals to soul sisters, from center court to personal battles far beyond it, their story remains one of sport’s most human sagas, a symphony of rivalry, redemption, and undying friendship.

Chris Evert reveals Martina Navratilova’s support during adversity

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have always been mirrors of each other, two champions bound not just by trophies and rivalries, but by shared battles off the court. Their connection runs deeper than sport, tied together by resilience, courage, and an unbreakable bond forged through fire. Both legends faced cancer head-on, and like the warriors they are, they conquered it with unwavering strength.

When Evert found herself walking that same dark path, Navratilova was already there: waiting, guiding, comforting. Having survived the storm herself, Martina became more than a friend; she became a pillar. Evert later revealed with raw emotion, “She has been such a support for me. Coming over to my house, cooking me soup, cooking me pasta, really taking care of me, calling me, making sure I’m OK.”

It wasn’t about grand gestures; it was about love in its purest form, quiet and constant. That’s why Evert added, “If I’m going to go through the trenches, there’s nobody I’d pick more than Martina.” Few words have ever captured the heart of their friendship so powerfully.

Their story found another beautiful chapter at the recently concluded US Open. The USTA honored Chris Evert, celebrating the moment she lifted her first US Open trophy back in 1975. Standing proud after the Sabalenka–Anisimova final, Navratilova spoke with joy that came straight from the soul.

“I was very happy. We did an event earlier today, and Chris looks great. Her hair’s grown back and she’s healthy. I’m healthy. We’re all happy and put in perspective, but it was great to get the appreciation from the crowd.” Her words carried warmth, gratitude, and the unspoken truth of two women who have been through it all, together.

Their friendship now moves beyond language, beyond sport; it breathes in the quiet strength of shared survival. 

As Martina Navratilova celebrates her special day, we celebrate her too.

Happy Birthday, Martina… The woman of steel, heart of fire, and the revolutionary who changed the face of women’s tennis forever!