Over the years, tennis courts have given birth to a number of rivalries. However, a classic rivalry that tops the list is that of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Two of the biggest names of the sport, Evert and Martina, single-handedly lead an era of tennis.

Having a rivalry dating back to 1973, the two gave the tennis world some of its most memorable matches for the next 15 years. However, despite being arch on-court rivals, Evert and Navratilova made sure to not let it hamper the strong bond that the two shared off the court. Going back in time, in 1986, Evert opened up about the relationship between the two in the most unique way.

Chris Evert elaborates on her strong bond with Martina Navratilova

Walking down memory lane, one can recall how watching Evert and Navratilova play against each other used to be a treat for the entire world. Being the most prominent players of their time, the majority of their clashes took place in the final rounds of tournaments. However, despite having a competitive spirit, the two made sure to stand up for their relationship. The reason? The closeness between the two.

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Opening up about their relationship, Evert started by admitting, “When you think about it, when Martina and I play, we’re there, before and after, stripped of everything. Literally naked. But more than that, we’ve both seen the other be so vulnerable. We’ve seen each other hurt and crying…That draws you so close. It almost takes the fun out of winning,” she further added.

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The ones who have seen the two legends play against each other must be aware of the level of their game. Having the urge to win every single time, both players indulged in some high-intensity action. However, whatever the result, the two made sure to respect each other.

Going ahead in the conversation, Evert further said, “We both have to be so considerate of the one who has lost. But you know, maybe the most revealing thing of all about how we feel about each other is that never once, no matter how tough the loss, never once has one of us said to the other, ‘I’m sorry, but can you leave me alone?’ Never once.”

The historical rivalry of Evert-Navratilova

As mentioned earlier, for 15 years, the two gave the tennis world some of its most cherished matches. Looking at the records, the two played each other a whopping 80 times in their careers. Statistically, the biggest rivalry in the history of women’s tennis. The two first faced each other in the round of 16 of the 1973 Akron.

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Going ahead, the two continued to serve the tennis world with some nail-biting encounters. After playing against each other for 15 long years, the two last played in the finals of the 1988 Chicago Open. Even though the two have retired from the sport, they continue to share the same strong bond between them.