
via Getty
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)

via Getty
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)
Hands down, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have established one of the most iconic tennis rivalries. However, this rivalry can not be seen in the light of animosity or vengeance. Their rivalry is one of the most respectable and flourishing ones across all sports.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Both the players value their friendship as much as they respect their rivalry. Which led to increased interest in women tennis and brought a positive name to the sport, even after they both retired from professional tennis. In an old Instagram post, Navratilova uploaded a picture of Evert doing her makeup.
Chris Evert does the makeup of arch-rival Martina Navratilova
Navratilova uploaded a picture in 2020 where Chris Evert was doing Navratilova’s makeup before an event. She stated, “I had to hire a new makeup girl today @chrissieevert :)).” Evert used her makeup skills to get Navratilova ready.
View this post on Instagram
Navratilova showed a thumbs up, and Evert seemed more than excited to help her friend get ready for the event. Both the players have always been there for each other, be it pre or post-retirement.
The players used to console each other when they lost matches. This held true even if they were against each other and cheered each other for their victories. They were their biggest rivals, however that did not stop them from being each other’s biggest cheerleaders too.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The astounding rivalry between Evert and Navratilova
The rivalry began with their first match at Akron, Ohio, in 1973, where Evert came out victorious, and ended with their last match at the Chicago finals in 1988, where Navratilova won. The players were on the opposite sides 80 times in their career, with stats being in Navratilova’s favor by the ratio of 43:37.

via Getty
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)
Their rivalry resulted in sold-out events, and that undoubtedly brought a lot of popularity to women’s tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: ‘Seems to Get Injured a Lot’ – Martina Navratilova Once Used Serena Williams’ Example to Talk About the ‘Fragmented’ Nature of Women’s Tennis.
These two legendary players have played a crucial and undeniable role in the incumbent shape that women’s tennis has taken place today.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT