Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are the players who strengthened the base Billie Jean King laid. While King invested her energy towards making WTA a reality. The duo’s performance and caliber proved that the association was worth having around.

Even though their careers majorly helped the same cause. Both the veterans are famous for their on-court rival dynamics. As Navratilova and Evert showcased a completely different style of gameplay and were the best in their ways. Further, their matches not only gave an adrenaline rush to the fans but to them as well.

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert about how their rivals fuelled them

Navratilova and Evert pretty much had the entire game in the palm of their hands. Therefore, only they could give each other a hard time on the court. A while ago, both of them accepted the fact that their clashes used to be one of the driving forces. When asked about how they always wanted to beat each other at their best, Martina said, “That’s what it’s about. I’ve always said that, and people don’t believe me.”

Thereafter Chirs added, “And God love her. Here’s an example: When my first marriage was ending, I was kind of down, and Martina said, “Come on up to Aspen” and taught me how to ski. We would ski from 9 to 2, play tennis for two hours. Then be in the gym for two hours—and she showed me what she was doing with weights.” 

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“Not many people who are No. 1 and No. 2 competitors would do that.” Evert added. Just to give the idea of how their rivalry evolved. When the Czech- American started setting herself on the tours, Evert was already on the top.

Therefore, out of the first 20 matches, Evert claimed the victory in 16. However, following that, Navratilova shaped her game so well that she not only settled the score but also took a lead of 43-37 by the end of their career.

Similarities in the legends

Navratilova and Evert were the mega players before aces such as Serena Williams arrived. They were at par with the best of men’s tennis. They both have 18 Grand Slam trophies under their name and still stand tall in the list of longest duration as world No.1.

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Further, Marina and Chirs are one of the few people who have achieved 100 victories in a Grand Slam. Evert built her record in the US Open. Whereas Navratilova did the same on the greens of Wimbledon.