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SINGAPORE – OCTOBER 24: Legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova laugh as they pose for a photo about their long time rivarly at during day 4 of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global at Gardens by the Bay on October 24, 2018 in Singapore. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

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SINGAPORE – OCTOBER 24: Legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova laugh as they pose for a photo about their long time rivarly at during day 4 of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global at Gardens by the Bay on October 24, 2018 in Singapore. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
It’s risky to combine fire and ice. But on the tennis circuit, the fusion of ice and fire has resulted in one of the fiercest rivalries in the sporting universe. If you are a tennis enthusiast, you will immediately recognize who we are referring to: Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Both of them were diametrically opposite each other on and off the court.
They were so popular to see on the tennis court that a BBC documentary titled Gods of Tennis included a significant portion of their rivalry. And in that particular series, the 59-time Grand Slam winner recounted how, despite having the same love for tennis, they were so different from one another personally in that one key aspect.
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Martina Navratilova on having contrasting personalities with Chris Evert
Ice Maiden and Navratilova, share one of the fiercest rivalries on the tennis court. They have faced each other an astonishing 80 times, and both of them gave tough competition to each other. While Evert was quiet on the tennis court, Navratilova was who she was: open and verbal about her choices, and she didn’t care about anyone’s opinion.

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TLAQUEPAQUE, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 14: WTA Legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert participate in traditional clay pottery class during 2021 Akron WTA Finals Guadalajara on November 14, 2021 in Tlaquepaque, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images for WTA)
Recently, the Czech-American tennis player in the tennis documentary series by the BBC talked about how people considered Evert a nice girl. But never liked her because of her outspoken personality. She said, “Chris was the girl next door. She was the girl every parent would want his son to marry. I was feminine, so I was just a contrast in every which way”
She also emphasized how graceful and feminine the 68-year-old American tennis legend was. She, on the other hand, was completely the polar opposite of her in terms of grace. While the legendary American tennis player always adhered to the rules. Navratilova defied those rules by forging her own path in the sport. As a result of her physique and other factors, she was also seen negatively by many tennis fans.
However, last year, during one of her interviews, Evert revealed astonishing facts regarding Navratilova’s contrasting personality.
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Evert on Navratilova’s ‘Villain’ Image
In regards to her arch-rival demeanor, the 68-year-old American tennis champion revealed some startling discoveries last year. She argued that although everyone perceived her as a villain in reality, she is just like a kitten. Navratilova was among those tennis players who worked out to the point where their arm veins even began to burst. And because of which, she has an amazing physique.
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She further added that her physical presence intimidated others quite a bit. The 66-year-old tennis star also discussed how she served everything up on a silver platter during the same conversation. In such a way that, although she is occasionally is not conscious of it to herself, it is rather clear to others.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments down below.
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