Imago
Martina Navratilova during the Ladies’ Invitation Doubles final on July 4, 2010. Press Association via AP Images
Imago
Martina Navratilova during the Ladies’ Invitation Doubles final on July 4, 2010. Press Association via AP Images
Back in the year 1988, the dynamic duo, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, had their last face-off, setting the rivalry bar to a different level. This was the 80th match that they played and amongst those matches, they have played 59 final tournament matches. Isn’t that amazing?
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However, that year, none of them had won a Grand Slam title, the last came in the year 1973. The year was definitely for the young Steffi Graf to rise on the tennis court.
Martina Navratilova had tears in her eyes
The duo had definitely raised the rivalry bar when they played their last match, but it was also an emotional moment for both the tennis legends and the tennis world. The 18-time Grand Slam champion won the title but was not happy for her arch-rival.
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TLAQUEPAQUE, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 14: WTA Legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert visit the town of Tlaquepaque during 2021 Akron WTA Finals Guadalajara on November 14, 2021 in Tlaquepaque, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images for WTA)
After the match, the American tennis ace was in tears after defeating her rival in a two-hour match. She said, “It was for Chris losing,” Further, she added, “I really wished that she could win this tournament one more time. It actually overwhelmed me. I did not expect to feel that much.”
Even though being the biggest rivals of the era, their emotions flooded over and they could not resist it. This was their third match in Chicago that day, and the 65-year-old won the finals and their previous semifinals that took place in 1975.
1989, Chris Evert played her last Grand Slam tournament
The next year, the 18-time Grand Slam champion played the last tournament at the Flushing Meadows. That US Open tournament was thrilling and emotional at the same time. The former world number one defeated the rising young talent, Monica Seles, in the round of 16 and showcased one of her best performances.
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She won the match with a good margin but then lost in the qualifiers against Zina Garrison. Even though her hopes were high of playing in the semi-finals and having a face-off with the legend again. She relentlessly lost her chance, making her journey cut short. Notably, as visioned, she played her last career match in the following Fed Cup.
