Chris Evert, the 18-time Grand Slam champion’s legacy in women’s tennis, can only be challenged by that of her archrival and close friend, Martina Navratilova. Along with securing some unique records during her career, her rivalry with the Czech-American legend is widely considered as the greatest in the history of the sport. At a time when women’s tennis wasn’t given enough importance, both Evert and Navratilova played a pivotal role in significantly enhancing the popularity of women’s tennis among the masses.

They both strengthened the foundation Billie Jean King laid when she founded the WTA. In contrast to their on-court rivalry, the two legendary players have maintained a cordial relationship throughout their professional tennis careers and beyond. Though owing to their busy schedules, their meetings in person are rare. Speaking of which, here’s a throwback to their 2019 reunion.

When Chris Evert payed a visit

Both the 18-time Grand Slam champions share a bond that is intact after all these years of ups and downs. Therefore, whenever they see each other, it’s a like a walk down the memory lane for them as well as fans. Three years ago, Evert payed a visit to Navratilova and her partner’s place. Sharing a picture from the occasion on her Instagram handle, she wrote, “Had a great time at Martina’s house for dinner.”

Thereafter she jokingly clarified, “It looks like I’m snuggling up to her wife Julia, but I’m really not!!”

During their time on the tour, the former world no.1s have locked horns 80 times. Evert, having started early on tour, outclassed Navratilova with ease in their initial match-ups. She got the better of her in 16 out of their first 20 clashes.

Read more: Chris Evert Once Posted a Rare Photo of Hers to Deliver a Message of Resilience to the ‘Class of 2020’

However, after that, the nine-time Wimbledon champion started dominating their meeting on hard and grass courts consistently. She took a lead of 43-37 by the end of Evert’s career.

However, Evert’s hold on the clay-based tournaments never loosened. The seven-time French Open champion still has a 11-3 lead on clay.

What has Evert been through since 2019?

The tennis veteran, after losing her sister to cancer, was diagnosed with the same carcinogenic genes in January. She while going through a preventive hysterectomy discovered that she had stage one ovarian cancer.

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. 

Following which the Evert opted for immediate medical help and underwent six chemotherapy sessions. Her last session took place a few months back. Evert shared the happy news of being completely cured from the deadly disease in May.