Martina Navratilova was one rival that tennis players did not want to face across the court. Only her arch-rival Chris Evert battled her ruthless, aggressive gameplay with strong baseline play. They have always been each other’s greatest competition. However, there was one thing that Martina Navratilova wished was not common between them. Their fates have intertwined with each other’s careers, however, one thing has proved to be too detrimental for both of them.

Navratilova once again faced her greatest rival, and it was not Chris Evert. However, she expressed her remorse for Evert when she had to walk down the same path.

Martina Navratilova on yet again the most arduous journey of her life

Unfortunately, both the players have at one point in their life battled with cancer. Navratilova revealed that she had stage 1 throat cancer and there were traces of breast cancer too. Though, she recently disclosed that she is now cancer free.

However, looking back on it now too is not easy for the Czech-American tennis legend. In an interview with Piers Morgan, she detailed her reaction when she found out that she had not one but two cancers. She stated, “I find out that it’s throat cancer. I could be dying.” However, after that, she got to know she had breast cancer too. She detailed the doctor’s reaction and said, “This doesn’t look great.” When she said that I was like, “Oh great, another cancer!” That’s when I started crying on the table.”

Baffled by her situation, she stated, “Who has two cancers at the same time? I was like I was never an underachiever but this is getting ridiculous.”

How did Navratilova’s fate intertwine with Chris Evert’s?

Then something happened that Navratilova did not wish for, Evert too got cancer. But there were too many things that were in common here too. Navratilova narrated, “Ended up being in the same place in New York. The parallels are unbelievable between the two of us. We rang the same bell.” 

It was too much to be a coincidence because they were treated by some of the same nurses too. Looking back upon how things turned out for the two, she stated, “Our careers have always intertwined and then we follow each other this way. This is the kind of competition we don’t really want.” It was Navratilova who became the link between Chris Evert and her ex-husband Andy Mill in Aspen. So, to say that they have come across each other apart from the on-court battles would not be wrong.

READ MORE: ‘God, I’m Such a Softie’ – Close Friend Chris Evert Saying ‘Lean on Me’ Shatters Martina Navratilova Amid Tough Cancer Battle

Both players supported each other during their chemotherapies. With tears in her eyes, Navratilova said, “Little did I know this is gonna be reciprocated in this manner.”

The two have always been each other’s biggest cheerleaders. From facing each other on the court to being there for each other in times of distress, the two share a wholesome friendship.

Once again Navratilova fought her “biggest rival” with perseverance

The 18-time Grand Slam champion has termed cancer as her biggest rival in the past. This time too when Navratilova was diagnosed with cancer again, she did not give up.

Though a shocker, she stated that the double whammy is serious but can be fixed. With a positive outlook, she resiliently proclaimed to fight cancer with all her might. 

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Proving her resilience once again, Navratilova is now cancer free.