Nothing can be more memorable than your best friend being by your side on your special day. Ask Martina Navratilova, who was accompanied by Chris Evert yesterday. Navratilova and Evert were among the fiercest rivals on the tennis court. However, they shared great bonding off the court and became best of friends later. As Navratilova celebrated her 68th birthday yesterday, Evert made sure to be with her best friend on her special day.

The two women are active on social media and often share glimpses of their time together on platforms like X. Hours ago, Navratilova took to her official X handle and shared a picture of her wife, Julia Lemigova, and Chris Evert. Additionally, Navratilova wrote, “Celebrated my birthday last night with two of my favorite women:)”

The trio enjoyed a wonderful outing in a restaurant and looked as young as ever with their adorable smiles. Earlier, Evert also took to her X handle to wish Navratilova with a special message. She wrote, “Happy birthday to my great friend (and rival!) @Martina, who always has my back and continues to inspire me with her strength and resilience. Love our friendship.”

Apart from Evert, Julia Lemigova was also present to celebrate Navratilova’s birthday. The two women are indeed special in Navratilova’s life as they were pillars of support to her when she battled throat and breast cancer. Despite horrifying times, the support received from Evert and Lemigova gave Navratilova the strength to fight. And subsequently, she was able to defeat cancer.

The tale about Navratilova and Evert’s friendship dates back to the time when their rivalry had just begun. Chris Evert once had the perfect ode to their friendship.

When Chris Evert admitted to being closer than ever with Martina Navratilova

Playing against a player an astonishing 80 times is no mean feat. Ask Navratilova and Evert, who often found each other on the opposite end of the court in important matches. While their battles were keenly fought, their rivalry eventually sowed the seeds of their friendship. As a result, Evert couldn’t stop gushing over her bond with Navratilova.

During WTA’s 50th Anniversary celebrations last year, Evert revealed, “There was a real camaraderie. There when you’re in your late 20s or early 30s. I think you realize you’ve become secure enough with yourself. That you realize it’s not affecting your individual legacy. If anything, it’s adding to it and it’s a legacy in itself. Once I had gotten to that point, we formed a great friendship. And even to this day, we’re even closer than we were when we were competing.” 

Further, Chris Evert’s birthday isn’t far away. She will turn 70 later this December and it’ll be interesting to see what Navratilova comes up with during Evert’s birthday.